The Nowell Family

Nowell of Sussex Coat of Arms

The surname Nowell or Noel is of French Norman origin.  It is believed to have originated with the Gallic tribes of Normandy in northern France.  It is thought to have originally referenced the Noailles area of Northern France in the Oise department.  In medieval times, the scion of the family generally adopted his residence name as his surname.  Thus the nobility of the area were referred to as the de Noailles.

The English Nowell's trace their ancestry back to the Norman Conquest of England.  A knight, Sir Robert fitz Noel, was a companion of  Duke William in his conquest of England.  For his assistance, he was awarded the manors of Ellenhall, Hilcote & Millmess.  He was mentioned as "Lord of the Manors" in the Domesday Book.  He was also listed on the Battle Abbey Roll.  Robert's eldest son was Bishop of the Orkneys and led the English army at the Battle of the Standard at Northallerton.

Originally spelled Noël, the accent was dropped over time.  There have been various spellings of the name throughout different branches of the family.  Some include Noel, Noal, Noell, Nole, Nowell and Naull amongst others.  To go along with different spellings, the name also has several pronunciations.  Our family pronounces it Now-el, while others pronounce it as No-el, No-al, Nole, Naul, etc.  My earliest known Nowell ancestor is my 8th great grandfather, James Nowell. 


James Nowell was born in Rye, Sussex, England in 1653.  He immigrated to the Maryland Colony in 1676.  James married Margaret Harwood sometime before 1681 and settled in the Dorchester County area.  Unfortunately not much are known about Margaret's origins.  In 1678, James is found on a list of persons who were then living there (Dorchester) who had served in the campaign, or aided the troops sent against the Nanticoke Indians.  For his aid, James received 300 lbs of tobacco.

On 6 Aug 1690, James and his wife Margaret were ordered to appear in court.  Apparently James wife Margaret had an argument with the county Sheriff, William Hill.   It is not known what was said between Margaret and Sheriff Hill, but James was fined 500 lbs of tobacco for his wife's actions.  The "History of Dorchester County" by Elias Jones, published in 1902 describes the judges orders as follows:


This day the Court ordered that James Nowell be fined five hundred pounds of tobacco for his wife Margaret Nowell's abusing Mr. Wm. Hill and our Burgesses biding them 'be damned.'


James Nowell died in Dorchester County, Maryland on 16 Mar 1717.  His will listed the following heirs, sons James (Martin) and Bazell, wife Margaret and daughter-in-law Eleanor who was the wife of James' deceased son John, who had died earlier in 1717.  James also had a son, Septimus who preceded him in death in 1716.  The names Bazell and Septimus would continue to appear in the North Carolina Nowell lines.  James will was probated on 11 Jun 1718.   It left "To 2 sons, James and Bazell, and their hrs., two tracts on Susquehannah R., “Baturcius Point” and “Pery-Neck,” also land ––, on Patuxent R. To wife Margaret, dau.-in-law Elianor Nowell and son James, personalty, division to be made by John Harwood, executor" (John was probably Margaret's brother).

Will of James Nowell (1717)

James and Margaret had the following known children:

1. John Nowell - born sometime around 1681, died in 1717 - married Eleanor - had daughters Elizabeth and Ann.
2. James Martin Nowell - born in 1682, died before 1750 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  (see below)
3. Septimus Nowell - born in 1686, died in 1716 - married Jane Taylor - died without issue.
4. Bazell Nowell - born around 1688, died in 1754 - married Margaret Eccleston - had sons Septimus, Edward, James, Hugh, Thomas, Charles and William, daughters Elisabeth and  Sarah.  Bazell's descendants used the spelling Noell. 

James Martin Nowell (James) was born in Dorchester County, Maryland in 1682.  He settled in Bertie County, North Carolina sometime around 1736.  He purchased land in Bertie from William Paget, Jr., of Bertie Prect. in Albemarle County. for 30 pounds.  The county records recorded this purchase as follows:

"aforsaid. planter ... do hereby ... grant ... unto the saidd. Martin Nowell ... a certain Plantation ... lying in Bertie preceinct ... beginning at a small Branch, then East along a line parting the said land and Mauls land running across the head of the Mare Branch to a small Branch making out of the said Mare Branch, thence up the said Branch northwardly to a Pine, so long a line of marked trees to a Pine, a corner tree: thence along another line of marked trees west to the head line of the main tract of land surveyed by William Pagett; thence along the said line to the first station, containing one hundred acres ...12th day of June Anno Dom 1736...Witness: Jno Wynns, Thos Johnson"   

According to local historian Roy Butcher, this land is just on the north side of the border of what became Hertford County in 1759.

Nowell land circled in red

Martin Nowell was a witness in Chowan County to Jane Parker giving her son William Parker land on Poplar Run, dated 8 Jun 1738.  Also in the May court of 1740, Martin Nowell witnessed a deed of transfer from Richard Sowell, son of Charles Sowell to John Weleson... at the mouth of Bare Swamp adjoining the lands of Weleson and Obadiah Sowell.   Nothing is known about his wife.  Martin Nowell died sometime before 1750, presumably in Bertie County, North Carolina.  He had the following known children:

1. Dempsey Nowell, Sr. - born in 1728, died in 1777 in Hertford County, North Carolina.  (see below)
2. John Nowell - born in 1736, died in 17 Mar 1793 in Johnston County, North Carolina.  Married Mara last name unknown and had daughters Martha, Esther, Rachel, Pherebe and Elizabeth, sons James and John.
3. James Nowell - born in 1738, died 18 Jul 1803 in Anson County, North Carolina.  Married Elizabeth last name unknown and had daughters Nancy, Margaret and Alexandria, sons Josiah and David.  Josiah was a Private in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.  He received land grants for 200 acres in 1800, 100 acres in 1813 and 182 acres in 1822 for his service. 
4. Septimus Nowell - born Jan 1743, died Jan 1797 in Darlington County, South Carolina.  Married Jean or Jane last name unknown.  Died without issue. 

Dempsey Nowell, Sr. (Martin, James) was presumably born in Dorchester, Maryland in 1728. He began to acquire land of his own in Bertie County in 1754.  The description of his first land purchase reads as follows:

This indenture made the 9th day of April...1754 Between Burrell Bell of Bertie County and of the Province of North Carolina and Sarah, his wife...and Dempsey Nowell of the County and Province aforesaid...Witnesseth that the said Burrell Bell...for Fifteen Pounds current money of the Colony of Virginia...hath...sold...unto the said Dempsey Nowell...land...Beginning at a Corner Tree in the Mare Branch being a Red Oak then S 62(?) E 50 poles to a prong of ye said Mare Branch and up the said prong & a line of marked trees bearing various marked courses viz, N 55 E ninety six pole ___ 15 E, being a dividing line betwixt the aforesaid land & Jacob Keel to a corner tree in Burrell Bell's new patent and on the said Bell's Line to the aforesaid Mare Branch and the said branch to the first station being one hundred acres...

Dempsey added another 75 acres in the Fall of 1758.  On 02 Oct 1758, Dempsey bought land in Bertie County from Jacob Keel. A description of this land reads as follows:

To all people whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know ye that ye Jacob Keel and Elizabeth, his wife of Bertie County yeoman for...Ten Pounds Proclamation money...paid by Dempsey Nowell of said County, Planter...do...grant unto him the aforesaid Dempsey Nowell...a Certain Dividend of Land...Joining the said Nowell's other lands Containing by Estimation Seventy Five acres...Beginning at a White Oak thence a line of Trees to a Red Oak, thence a line of Trees to a Lightwood stump, thence West a line of Trees to a Maple...thence a line of Trees to the first Station...this second day of October....1758...

Dempsey is listed on the Bertie County Tax Lists of 1753, '54, '55, '56, & "57.   He can be found on the Murfreesboro Tax Receipt Book of 1770.  Dempsey was also listed in the Records of Estates:  Bertie County, NC 1734-1788, Vol. II, Loose Estate Papers by David B. Gammon as a buyer at the estate sale of Thomas Parker.

Dempsey was married to a woman named Sally whose last name is unknown.  He died in Hertford County in 1777.  Sally followed in death in 1783.  Dempsey and Sally had the following children:

1. William Nowell - born in 1745, died in 1787 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  Married Ann Amelia Raynor and had sons William, Nathan and Lemuel.  William served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.  For his service, he was granted 640 acres.  
2. James Nowell - born in 1748, died after 30 Sep 1785 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  Married name unknown and had a son John.  James also served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.  For his service, he was granted 215 acres.
3. Dempsey Nowell, Jr. - born in 1755, died in 1810 in Hertford County, North Carolina.  (see below)
4. Thomas Nowell - born in 1763, died sometime after 1768.
5. John Nowell - born in 1765, died in 1830 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  Married Elizabeth Chamberlain and had sons John, Dempsey, Barnabas, William and James, daughters Nancy and Martha. 

Dempsey Nowell, Jr. (Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born in Bertie County, North Carolina in 1755.  He was listed on the Hertford County, NC, Tax Lists of 1779, 1782, & 1784.   In 1779, he is listed as owning 310 acres, 29 cattle, and 3 horses. On the 1782 Tax List, he had 417 acres, 34 cattle, and 3 horses or mules.   On the 1784 List, he had 417 acres.  Dempsey Jr. was listed as a buyer at the estate sale of William Fleetwood on 4 Sep 1782 in the Records of Estate, Bertie County, NC, and also at the estate sale of Sarah Sowell on 9 May 1785 in Bertie County.   In the 1790 Federal Census, Dempsey Jr. is listed as living with 2 males under 16, 2 males 16 and over,  3 females and 1 slave.  The 1800 Federal Census shows Dempsey living in Capt Fosters Captaincy, Hertford, North Carolina with 1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 16-25, 1 male 26-44, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44 and 4 slaves.  He was the executor of the will for James Sorrell in the Aug. Court of 1802.  The 1810 Federal Census shows Dempsey's household as having 2 males under 10, 2 males 16-25, 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44, and 1 female 45 and over. 

Dempsey Jr. was married to a woman named Sarah whose last name is unknown.  He died in Hertford County, North Carolina in 1810.  Dempsey Jr. and Sarah had the following known children:

1. Lemuel Nowell - born in 1774, died sometime after 1810 in Martin County, North Carolina.
2. Issac Nowell - born in 1781, died 14 Jul 1833 in Hertford County, North Carolina.  Married name unknown and had sons James, John, Josiah and Jacob, daughter Sarah.
3. William Nowell Esq. - born in 1790, died in 1831 in Hertford County, North Carolina. Married Mary Mitchell and had sons William Henry and John Pipkin, daughter Nancy Emily.  
4. Seth Nowell - born in 1792, died 24 Jun 1844 in Hertford County, North Carolina.  Married Mary last name unknown and had son William and daughter Elizabeth.  
5. Dempsey Nowell, III - born in 1802, died 27 Nov 1852 in Wellwood, Haywood County, Tennessee.  Married Elizabeth McNeil and had sons Lemuel, Edgar, Jacob and William, daughters Emily, Martha, Catherine, Sarah, Carolina and Elizabeth.
6. Rev. John Nowell - born 6 Sep 1803, died 12 Feb 1859 in Hertford County, North Carolina.  (see below)

Rev. John Nowell (Dempsey Jr., Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born in Hertford County, North Carolina on 6 Sep 1803.  He married Julia Hinton on 17 Apr 1824 in Gates County.  Julia was the daughter  John Hinton and wife Dorothy Forrest.

Marriage certificate for John Nowell and Julia Hinton

John Nowell's first appearance in the public record is the 1830 Federal Census where his household shows 1 male 5-9, 1 male 10-14, 1 male 30-39, 1 female 10-14, 1 female 15-19 and 1 female 30-39.

John was a Baptist minister.  He was the pastor for the Ahoskie Baptist Church for 23 years before moving to Colerain Baptist Church in January of 1836.  He would remain pastor at Colerain until voluntary resigning in January of 1859, just one month before his death.  Colerain Baptist Church was first organized in 1780 as the Church near Wiccacon.  Its original location is unknown.

Stained glass window at Colerain Baptist Church

In 1825, the Wiccacon Baptist Church moved to a location about half a mile west of Colerain due to a gift of land from Josiah Holley.  By 1848, 2 ¼ acres of additional lands adjoining the site were purchased for $22.50 from Joseph Etheridge and Zack Ellyson.  Wiccacon Baptist changed its name to Colerain Baptist Church due to its new location.  In 1849 a new sanctuary was built and dedicated on December 15th with Rev. Aaron Jones of Edenton preaching the Dedication Sermon.  The Church moved to its present location in June of 1892.  The current building was dedicated in 1911.  It is said that the cornerstone contained an 1822 Church covenant, a Copy of the Biblical Recorder and the Charity and Children publications, an 1847 rules of decorum, and a listing of Church Officers and Membership.  In his dedication speech entitled "A Sketch of Colerain Baptist Church" W. F. Raynor stated:

"The Church changed it name after moving into its new house of worship from Wiccacon Baptist Church to Colerain Baptist Church. As in every organization and enterprise some one has to lead and manage so Colerain Church had its members who wrought mightily in the upbuilding and pushing forward the Master's work."

Rayner went on to say that Rev. John Nowell was "one of the strong personalities in those days". Nowell was baptized in March, 1832, licensed to preach in June, 1834 and elected pastor in 1835. "He entered upon his pastoral care of the church January 1836 and continued as pastor until the close of the year 1857 making 22 years in succession".

Under Nowell's leadership, "the church prospered, grew spiritually, numerically and financially. The brethen followed him gladly, and the church was free from strife,  bickerings and the like, and seemed to dwell together in brotherly love and Christian fellowship, striving to promote their Master's kingdom...."  

Colerain Baptist Church

Sometime in early 1838, John purchased 165 acres of land located 6 miles along the East side of the Mount Pleasant Road.  A purchase for this land was recorded in the Hertford County Register of Deeds in Book 144,  Page 507 on 27 Feb 1838.  On 27 Aug 1838, John was a witness to Rev. Amos Raynor's Revolutionary War Pension papers.  Unfortunately the available copy of the Hertford County 1840 Census is barely legible.  Some of the writing is so faint, no words can be made out.  Although the records are unreadable, known members of John's household in 1840 were John (age 36), Julia (age 34), Henry (age 14), John W. (age 12), Joseph W. (age 10), Elizabeth A. (age 8) and Alpheus (age 5).  Rev. John next shows up in August of 1847 as executor of the last will and testament of Celia Wilder.  In her will, Mrs. Wilder stated, "I give and bequeath unto my worthy friend John Nowell one hundred dollars in money to him and his heirs forever."  This was said to be a very sizeable estate.  

The 1850 Federal Census shows John living in the Southern District, Hertford, North Carolina.  His real estate was valued at $1200.   Members of his household include John (age 46), Julia (age 44), Henry (age 24), John W. (age 22), Joseph W. (age 20), Elizabeth A. (age 18), Alpheus (age 15), Sarah J. (age 11), Margaret (age 9) and Mary E (age 5).  The 1850 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedule shows John as owning 14 slaves.

1850 Federal Census

In 1853, Rev. John helped organize another local community church.  In a little village near what is now Trap, there was a meeting of the residents in a school house about one-half mile from the present site of the Mars Hill Baptist Church. These prayer meetings lasted for 12 days under the leadership of the Rev. B.B. Williams. Following the meetings there was a baptismal service in which the Rev. John Nowell administered the ordinance of baptism.  A number of members from Colerain Baptist Church who lived in the Trap area decided to take their letters from the Colerain Church, unite with the people who had been baptized and constitute a new Baptist Church. With the assistance of James Delk, Thomas Hoggard and Moses L. Mizelle, a church was organized on September 29, 1854.  The decision was to call the church the Mars Hill Baptist Church, having chosen the name of Mars Hill from Acts 17:22. 

Rev. John Nowell died in Hertford County, North Carolina 12 Feb 1859.  His wife Julia followed in death on 4 Sep 1867.  Rev. John and Julia had the following children:

1. Henry Nowell - born in 1826, died of typhoid fever in August of 1860 in Hertford County, North Carolina.
2. John W. Nowell - born in 1828, died in February of 1883 in Chowan County, North Carolina.  Married Esther P. White and had daughters Sallie, Julia and Arathusia.  John was Postmaster in Chowan county for several years.  
3. Joseph Warren Nowell - born 11 Oct 1829 in Gates County, North Carolina, died 8 Feb 1889 in Winton, Hertford County, North Carolina.  (see below)
4. Elizabeth Ann Nowell - born 20 Jun 1833, died 30 Oct 1872 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  Married Joseph Warren Beasley and had daughters Sarah, Susan, Liza and Maggie, sons Warren, Robert and Fred.
5. Alpheus Nowell - born 29 Aug 1834, died 3 Feb 1907 in Bertie County, North Carolina.  Married Virginia Jane Britton and had sons John Pulaski, Joseph Henry, Dr. Luther Alpheus, daughters Virginia, Katherine, Julia and Amanda.  
6. Sarah J. Nowell - born in 1839, died in 1878 in Chowan County, North Carolina.
7. Margaret P. Nowell - born in 1841, died 05 Sep 1876 in Hertford County, North Carolina.
8. Mary E. Nowell - born in 1845, died sometime after 1881.  Married Daniel W. Britton, brother of Alpheus' wife Virginia and had daughters Nancy, Rosa, Essie and Marie, son Roy.  

Joseph Warren Nowell (Rev. John, Dempsey Jr., Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born on 11 Oct 1829 in Gates County, North Carolina.  Interesting enough, he is listed twice in the 1850 Federal Census.  First in the household of his parents in Hertford County and secondly in the household of his grandparents, John Hinton and Dorothy Forrest in Gates County.  On 12 Mar 1854, Joseph married Harriett Eliza Cannon, daughter of Chowan County Quakers Joseph and Nancy Cannon.   Harriet's father ran a ferry in Chowan County near the present day Cannon's Ferry area. Sometime in 1860, Joseph was granted a parcel of land in Chowan County by Harriet's brother Caltern Collins Cannon. 

The 1860 Federal Census shows Joseph living in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina.  He is listed as a Farmer with the Value of his Real Estate listed as $650 and the Value of his Personal Estate listed as $4875.  Members of his household include Joseph (age 30), Harriett (age 26), Walter (age 4), Stephen (age 1) and Farm Hands Sarah Askew (age 15) and Joseph Ward (age 30).

1860 Federal Census

The U.S. Census, Agriculture Schedule for Chowan County shows Joseph produced two bales of cotton in 1860.  A US IRS Tax Assessment List for Chowan County dated 31 Dec 1865 shows J. W. Nowell being assessed a $1.80 tax on 156 hogs killed.  By the 1870 Federal Census, Joseph's family had increased by four.  Joseph is shown living in Township 3, Chowan, North Carolina.  He is listed a Farmer with the Value of his Real Estate listed as $1200 and the Value of his Personal Estate listed as $500.  Members of his household include Joseph (age 40), Eliza (age 35), Nancy Nowell (age 75) possibly Joseph's aunt, Walter (age 14), Jane (age 13), Stephen (age 11), Sally (age 9, James (age 7) Mary (age 4) and another Mary Nowell (age 15).

1870 Federal Census

In 1874, Joseph's wife Harriett purchased  the Thomas White farm in Belvidere Township, Perquimans County.  This Thomas White was my 1st cousin 7x removed.  His grandfather, William White (1711-1795) was my 7th great grandfather.  William was the brother of my 6th great grandfather Thomas White.  A picture and description of this house can be found in The Historic Architecture of Perquimans County, North Carolina by Dru Gatewood Haley and Raymond A. Winslow.

 This house clearly illustrates the adaption of an earlier structure to fit an owner's needs.  The original Federal-style dwelling was built by Thomas White c. 1800 and almost doubled in size, probably by Josiah R. White c. 1856, with the addition of a Greek Revival ell.  Thomas White was a prominent land owner and an elder in the Piney Woods Monthly Meeting.  At his death in 1834, he willed his homeplace to his son Oswin, who retained it until 1856.  Oswin served as a teacher at Belvidere Academy in the late 1850's.  Perquimans County Sheriff Josiah R. White purchased the property in 1856; after his 1863 death it passed in and out of the White family until 1874, when Harriett E. Nowell acquired it.  It remained in the Nowell family well into the 20th century.

Originally a traditional three-bay two-story Federal-style dwelling with a front shed-roof porch, the house was later modified and enlarged by a Greek Revival rear two-story ell addition.  The primary dwelling maintains several distinctive early features, namely the two exterior end chimneys laid in Flemish bond with paved double shoulders, the Flemish bond foundation, and the flush original hall-and-parlor-plan is entered through a central doorway containing a transom  With the addition of the ell the stair was relocated and many of the Greek Revival features were beautifully painted and grained or marbleized.  At the rear of the side porch stands a two story outbuilding--probably a kitchen.

Thomas White House in Belvidere purchased by Harriet Cannon Nowell in 1874



The 1880 Federal Census shows Joseph, now living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  He is listed as a Farmer.  Members of his household include Joseph (age 50), Harriett (age 46), Stephen (age 20), Sally E. (age 18), James (age 16), Mary (age 12) and John (age 10).

1880 Federal Census

Chataigne's North Carolina State Directory and Gazetteer: 1883-84 lists Joseph W. Nowell as a Principal Farmer for the Belvidere Township.  He is also listed as a Fertilizer Salesman and an Insurance Agent. Sometime around 1885 Joseph, Harriet and several of their children and their families moved to Macon Township in Warren County, North Carolina.  My 2nd great grandfather, Walter Hinton Nowell remained in Perquimans County.

The next mention of Joseph in the public records is a lawsuit brought about in the Superior Court of North Carolina's spring term of 1885.  The lawsuit was served in Warren County, North Carolina with Plaintiff's  Joseph W. Nowell and Harriett E. Nowell, his wife, John J. Eggleston and L.L. Smith guardian of Joseph C. Eggleston against Defendant Castle Hayne Vineyard Company.

The Castle Hayne Vineyard Company was chartered under the laws of North Carolina by an act of the General Assembly and ratified on the 17th day of March, 1869.  The facts of the case summarize that the company owned a certain tract of land situated in Norfolk County, Virginia near the city of Portsmouth on the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad containing 60 acres.  On 01 Jan 1874, this land was sold to James I. Cannon, brother of Harriett Cannon Nowell, for $7182.42.  The deed was signed over by Joseph S. Cannon, President of the Castle Hayne Vineyard Company and also brother of Harriet Cannon Nowell.  The deed of transfer was recorded on 27 Jul 1874.  James I. Cannon died unmarried and intestate on 12 Dec 1878.  Joseph S. Cannon died in Norfolk, Virginia on 02 Apr 1882 and left half of his property to his sister Harriett and the other half to John J. Eggleson and Joseph C. Eggleston, sons of his deceased sister Sarah Sally Ann Cannon.  John J. Eggleston was also Joseph and Harriett's son-in-law, having married their daughter Sallie.

The case was heard before the Honorable J. F. Graves, Judge presiding.  The Court was of the opinion that all the allegations of the Complaint were fully proved by the Plaintiffs.  The Court appointed W. B. Martin as a special Commissioner for the purpose of conveying the land in said complaint to the Plaintiffs.   A copy of the judgement is posted below.

Unfortunately this would be the last time Joseph was seen in the public record.  He died unexpectedly on 08 Feb 1889 while on a business trip to Winton in Hertford County, North Carolina.  He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Warren County, North Carolina.  Due to the fact that Joseph moved to Warren County in 1885, he never showed up as living there in a Federal Census.  I had a hard time locating his final resting place.  Distant cousin and fellow Nowell family researcher, Dola Nowell Acree was a wealth of knowledge and assisted me in finding Joseph's grave.  Without her help, it might not have been possible.  She suggested that I research all of his children.  In doing this, I found that daughters Anna, Sallie and Mollie and son John Skinner Nowell had all moved to Warren County around 1885.  After obtaining this information, I was able to find the Nowell family plot in Greenwood Cemetery.

Grave of Joseph W. Nowell and Harriett Cannon Nowell

Nowell Family Plot in Greenwood Cemetery

Harriett followed Joseph in death on 25 Dec 1909.  Joseph and Harriett had the following children:

1. Walter Hinton Nowell - born 21 Nov 1855, died 10 Sep 1922 in Perquimans County, North Carolina (see below)
2. Anna Jane Nowell - born Jul 1857, died in 1907 in Warren County, North Carolina.  Married Josiah B. White and had daughters Harriett, Mary, Annie and Jessie, son Joseph.
3. Stephen Cannon Nowell - born 15 Aug 1859, died 29 Sep 1933 in Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Married Sarah Elizabeth Morgan and had daughter Myrtle and son Stephen Cannon Nowell, Jr.   Stephen remained in Perquimans County with his older brother Walter.  They lived on farms next door to one another.  Stephen and his wife are buried in a small family cemetery a few hundred yards from the Nowell/White Cemetery.   
4. Sallie Nowell - born 05 Nov 1861, died 04 Aug 1929 in Warren County, North Carolina.  Married John J. Eggleston, her cousin and had daughter Sallie. 
5.  James J. Nowell - born May 1864, died 10 May 1939 in Richmond County, Georgia.  Married Martha Ann White and had daughters Helen, Elma, Millie and Ruth, sons Vernon, William and James.
6. Mary Mollie Nowell - born 04 Feb 1868, died 02 Jan 1935 in Warren County, North Carolina.  Married Joseph Lawrence Coleman.  Had no children of her own but helped raise Joseph's children from his previous marriage.  
7. John Skinner Nowell - born 14 Aug 1870, died 22 Feb 1930 in Warren County, North Carolina.  Married Emma Williams Thornton.  John was listed as a cashier of the Bank of Macon.  His cause of death was listed as chronic mitral regurgitation.

Walter Hinton Nowell

Walter Hinton Nowell (Joseph, Rev. John, Dempsey Jr., Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born in Chowan County, North Carolina on 21 Nov 1855.  Sometime around the time of his 19th birthday, his family relocated to Belvidere Township in Perquimans County.  His mother, Harriett purchased "the old White farm" in 1874.  Walter's new home was located in close proximity to his future in-law's, the Simpsons.   The 1880 Federal Census shows Walter as a Farmer living in Belvidere Township, Perquimans County.  Members of his household include Walter (age 24) and Farm Laborers John Murden (age 22) and Harrison Hinton (age 20).

1880 Federal Census

Marriage Certificate for Walter Hinton Nowell and Maggie Simpson

On 15 Mar 1882, Walter married Margaret B. "Maggie" Simpson, daughter of neighbor George W. Simpson.  George and his brother William had relocated to Perquimans County from Chowan County in the late 1840's.  William Simpson purchased the John White farm (also my 1st cousin 7x removed), in 1848.  This farm was in close proximity to the Jonathan White farm purchased by George in 1849.  Both of these farms were parts of a much larger tract had been in another branch of my family (White) since at least 1740.

My 7th great grandfather, Thomas White was born in 1696 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. According to Perquimans County Deed Book B, #183 he relocated to Perquimans County, North Carolina by 10 Jan 1724/5.  Thomas is shown in Perquimans County in the 1740 Colonial Census. His son, my 6^th great uncle Thomas White, Jr.,  (1730-1809) acquired the property in which my great aunt, Florence Winslow Nowell still resides.  The house she lives in was built in by my 1^st cousin 7x removed, Jonathan White, Sr. (1766-1823).   He built the house sometime between 1798 -1800.  Tax records show 1798 while the historical sign out front reads 1800.  A description of the property from The Historic Architecture of Perquimans County, North Carolina by Dru Gatewood Haley and Raymond A. Winslow reads as follows:

Jonathan White established himself on one of his father's farms, possibly at his marriage in 1791, and later inherited this particular property in 1809.  He probably built this Federal-style house c. 1800, and in 1823 the property passed to White's son and namesake, who became a prominent planter and civic leader.  George Simpson purchased the property in 1849 from the younger Jonathan White and it was deeded in 1891 to Simpson's daughter Maggie, wife of Walter H. Nowell, whose descendants still own it. 

The two-story gable-roof dwelling retains the typical front shed-roof porch and rear shed rooms; however, it has been enlarged by additions to each side and the rear.  Family tradition maintains that the house originally had a gambrel roof.  The porch was supported originally by thinly tapered octagonal posts, and flush beaded boards sheath the porch facade.  The three-bay asymmetrical facade opens into a typical hall-and-parlor-plan interior with the enclosed stair rising out of the middle shed room.

Jonathan White House Circa 2012

In 1849, Jonathan White, Jr. (1803-1860) sold the property to George W. Simpson.  George died on 02 Jun 1881 and left the property to his wife Sarah MacReynolds Simpson.  Sarah married Abram Bonner on 28 Nov 1882 and moved to Chowan county, deeding the property to daughter Maggie and new husband Walter Hinton Nowell.  

Unfortunately the 1890 Federal Census was destroyed by a fire at the Commerce Department in Washington, DC on 10 Jan 1921.  Without the Census records we are left with family records to determine Walter's household in 1890.  The known members of his household were Walter (age 34), Maggie (age 32), Pearl (age 7), Harriett (age 5), George (age 3) and Joseph (age 1).  

A photograph of Walter Hinton Nowell and his family taken in front of the Jonathan White House still exists.  The original hangs in the hallway of the house.  A copy hangs in my living room.  Persons in the photo include: Front Row: Joseph Warren Nowell, George Walter Nowell, Margaret Simpson with baby Seth Nowell, Alpheus Nowell, Nonie Simpson. Back Row: Walter Hinton Nowell, Pearl Nowell, Harriett "Hattie" C . Nowell.

Walter Hinton Nowell and Family in front of the Jonathan White house (1897)

The photograph was believed to have been taken sometime in 1897.  This is due to the fact that Maggie Simpson was still living at the time of the photograph.  Sadly she died sometime in 1898.  At the time of her death, she and Walter had the following children:

1. Pearl E. Nowell - born 01 Feb 1883, died 15 June 1969 in Norfolk, Virginia.  Married Ephraim Twine.  Both are buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.  I have one of aunt Pearl's antique lamps in my foyer.  
2. Harriett "Hattie" Cannon Nowell - born 28 Mar 1885, died 18 Oct 1908 in Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Married Jesse Horace Baker.  Hattie is also buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.
3. George Walter Nowell - born 27 Nov 1887, died 19 Apr 1957 in Winfall, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Married Nellie Viola Onley and had son George Ellwood Nowell.  George Walter and Nellie are also buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.
4. Joseph Warren Nowell - born 03 Mar 1889, died 02 Aug 1954 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  (see below)
5. Charlie Nowell - born 21 Jun 1892, died 04 Mar 1895 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Charlie is also buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.
6. Alpheus Benton Nowell - born 22 Sep 1894, died 18 Feb 1973 in Chatham County, Georgia.  Married Rita Estelle Kay and had sons Vernon and Alpheus Benton Jr.  
7. Seth Nowell - born 15 Nov 1897, died 20 Oct 1898 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Seth is also buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.

Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere

It is important to note that by 1897, Maggie Simpson's younger sister, Elizabeth Nora "Nonie" Simpson was living in the Nowell household.  Nonie Simpson had married John Morgan on 21 Dec 1888.  The subsequently had a daughter, Irene.  John passed away sometime in 1895.  Following his death, Nonie moved in with her sister Maggie and husband Walter Hinton Nowell.  Nonie would have been of great assistance to Walter and his children. The 1900 Federal Census shows Walter as a widowed Farmer living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Member of his household include Walter (age 44), Pearl E. (age 17), Harriett C. (age 15), George W. (age 12), Alpheus (age 5), Nonie Morgan (age 27) Irene Morgan (age) and Lloyd Morgan (age 1).  Lloyd was John Morgan's nephew.

1900 Federal Census

Sometime after the death of Maggie, a romance began to spark between Walter and Maggie's sister Nonie.  Both having lost their spouses and living under the same roof, it is easy to see how this could have happened.  Walter and Nonie were married in Perquimans County on 03 Apr 1902.

Marriage Certificate for Walter Hinton Nowell and Nonie Simpson

On 28 Apr 1904, Walter and Nonie welcomed a baby girl named Julia Margaret.  She was named after Walter's grandmother Julia Hinton and deceased wife Margaret Simpson.   Another daughter, Evelyn was born on 07 Oct 1909.   The 1910 Federal Census shows Walter as a Farmer living in Belvidere, Perquimans County.  Members of his household include Walter (age 54), Nonie (age 36), George W. (age 22), Joseph W. (age 21), Alpheus (age 16), Julia (age 6), Harriett E. (age 0), Irene Morgan (age 14) and Lloyd Morgan (age 12).

1910 Federal Census

On 25 Jan 1912, Walter Hinton Nowell purchased the old building of the Belvidere Academy from the local Quaker church, The Piney Woods Society of Friends for $136.00.  A record of this purchase can be found in the Piney Woods Monthly Meeting Records from 01 Mar 1913.

Piney Woods MM Records from 01 Mar 1913

 
The Belvidere Academy was opened by the Society of Friends in 1834.  Originally used as a boarding house, it became one of the county's most important educational institutions.

1880's photo of Belvidere Academy with the original building in the background

The 1920 Federal Census shows Walter as a Farmer living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Members of his household include Walter (age 64), Nonie (age 47), Julia (age 15) and Evelyn (age 10).

1920 Federal Cemsus

Walter Hinton Nowell died from Arteriosclerosis on 10 Sep 1922 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  He was 66 years old.  His occupation was listed as a Tanner at the time of his death.  Walter's wife Nonie followed in death on 15 Jul 1952.  They are both buried in the Nowell/White Cemetery in Belvidere.  Walter and Nonie had the following children:

1. Julia Margaret Nowell - born 28 Apr 1904, died sometime between 1920 - 1930.
2. Harriett Evelyn Nowell - born 07 Oct 1909, died 21 Dec 1999 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Married John William Lane and had daughter Nonie Lou.   I have fond memories of Evelyn and her daughter Nonie from my childhood.  

Grave of Walter Hinton Nowell

Walter's will was dated 18 Jun 1920.  He left his wife Nonie "all the household and kitchen furniture, all the provisions of meat, lard, etc., all the farming impliments, all the stock, including mules, hogs, and poultry, and all my rents from the entire farm according to the contract by which the renters rented."    Walter named son George W. as Executor "who will see that the rents are properly collected and who will aid my wife in securing her part of the estate as mentioned above."

Will of Walter Hinton Nowell

 

Joseph Warren Nowell

Joseph Warren Nowell (Walter, Joseph, Rev. John, Dempsey Jr., Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born 03 Mar 1889 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  I remember the above picture of my grandmother's father sitting on a table in my grandparents living room throughout my entire childhood.  That same table and picture, along with Pearl Nowell's antique lamp are now in the foyer of my house.

Joseph's first appearance in the public record is the 1900 Federal Census where he is listed in the household of his grandmother Harriett Cannon Nowell in Sixpound, Warren County, North Carolina.  According to the census, Joseph was attending school.  He is listed as attending the 4th grade.  It is also indicated that he could read and write.  Members of the household include Harriett Nowell (age 66), Sallie Eggleston (age 38), John Skinner Nowell (age 29) and Joseph (age 11).

1900 Federal Census

By the 1910 Federal Census, Joseph was back in the household of his father, Walter Hinton Nowell.  Joseph is listed as Farm Laborer.  On 15 Jan 1913, Joseph married Sallie White, daughter of neighbor Joseph Thomas White.  The White and Nowell family had shared a common burial ground for their families since 1895. The White part of the cemetery goes back to the mid 1800's.  Sallie and Joseph were married at her mother's house.  Sadly this house is no longer standing.  I can remember it from my childhood.  I was infatuated with the big, abandoned, white house in the field adjacent to Uncle Walter's house.  I always wanted to go and explore inside, but I was too young. 

Marriage Certificate for Joseph Warren Nowell and Sallie White

Shortly after marrying Sallie White, Joseph began constructing a new home on his father's farm.  This would be the house that my grandmother would grow up in.   The house was completed sometime before the birth of Joseph and Sallie's first child, a daughter Elizabeth who was born 11 Nov 1913.  A son, Walter Thomas was born 10 Apr 1915.

Joseph Warren Nowell Homeplace

On 05 Jun 1917, Joseph filled out his World War I draft card.  He is listed as a 28 year old Farmer, being tall and slender, having red hair and grey eyes.  He claimed exemption from the draft due to bad health.

WWI Draft Card for Joseph

The 1920 Federal Census shows Joseph and his family living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  He is listed as a Farmer.  By this time Joseph and Sallie had another daughter, my grandmother, Ruth Adelaide Nowell, who was born on 17 Jan 1918.  Members of the household include Joseph (age 30), Sallie E. (age 26), Elizabeth (age 8), Walter (age 4) and Ruth (age 2).

1920 Federal Census

Joseph sitting on his front porch

By the time of the 1930 Federal Census, Joseph and Sallie had added two children to the family.  Daughter Hattie Pearl was born on 01 Feb 1920 and son Joseph Warren Jr. was born on  26 Aug 1924.  The census shows Joseph and family living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  His occupation is listed as Farmer.  Members of his household include Joseph W (age 41), Sallie (age 38), Elizabeth (age 16) Walter (age 15), Ruth A. (age 12), Hattie P. (age 10) and Joseph (age 6).

1930 Federal Census

Joseph and Sallie Nowell (1937)

The 1940 Federal Census shows Joseph and family living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  His occupation is listed as Farmer.  Members of his household include Joseph (age 50), Sallie (age 47), Walter (age 24), Ruth (age 22), Hattie (age 20) and Joseph (age 15).

1940 Federal Census

Joseph and Sallie Nowell

By the mid 1940's, all the Nowell children had moved out of the old homeplace. The family continued to grow, this time by way of grandchildren.  Ruth Nowell Stokes gave birth to my father, Selby Edward Stokes, Jr. on 29 Aug 1946.  My father has fond memories of his grandfather.  I've heard stories how Dad used to ride on the tractor with his granddad.  Dad also used to get a kick out of wearing his granddad's pith helmet.  My Dad also remembers Joseph's dog, Pee-wee.   Apparently all the grandkids used to aggravate the mess out of Pee-wee.  My grandmother's sister, Elizabeth Nowell had married Reginald Munden in 1938.  By 1946, they were still childless.  Two days after my father was born, they adopted a little girl and named her Elizabeth Frances Munden.  She had been born in Norfolk, Virginia two days before my father on 27 Aug 1946.

Joseph and granddaughter, Frances

Joseph and Selby Stokes, Jr.

Joseph and Selby Stokes, Jr.

The 1950 Federal Census will not be released to the public until April 2022.  It is known that by 1950, Joseph and Sallie were empty nesters.  Joseph was still a Farmer and they were still living in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Members of his household were Joseph (age 60) and Sallie (age 57).  In the 1950's the Nowell family continued to grow by way of grandchildren.  By the end of the decade, an additional 7 grandchildren were born.  

Joseph Nowell with grandchildren Michael Stokes, Gary Nowell, Nowell Stokes, & Betty Jo Nowell. 

Joseph with Nowell Stokes, Betty Jo Nowell and dog, Pee-wee

In addition to being a farmer, Joseph was also the Perquimans County Forest Ranger.  When I was a child, I used to play with an old Smokey the bear stuffed animal that wore Joseph's badge.  Forest fire prevention was also important to Joseph.  In an article from The Perquimans Weekly from January 23, 1953, Joseph states the importance of obtaining a permit prior to startring a controlled burn. 

Burning Permits Required Feb. 1st.  County Forest Ranger J. W. Nowell this week issued a reminder to farmers that burning permits will be required on and after February 1st before they can legally burn off wood lands or fields preparatory to farming operations in the spring. Permits are required for starting brush fires from February 1, through the month of May, one of the most hazardous seasons of the year for forest fires. Permits may be secured from the county ranger or from any of the towermen or district rangers in the county. 'Starting a fire without the permit subjects the offender to prosecution under state law. Mr. Nowell wishes to thank the public for past cooperation and to urge that they continue to observe the statute. 

My father could remember a controlled burn on his grandfather's farm when he was a boy.  This was back in the days of old pump can fire extinguishers.  Dad remembered being too small to wear the the extinguisher on his back, but his granddaddy let him pump it up before putting out the fire.

Joseph Warren Nowell

In the Fall of 1953, Joseph was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  He fought it bravely for 8 1/2 months before succumbing to the disease 02 Aug 1954.  His wife, Sallie joined him in death on 12 Sep 1985.  My Dad remembered his grandfather's funeral.  This was back in the day where funerals took place in the home.   Dad said his casket was laid out on the back wall of the living room.  People came and went all night during the wake.  The funeral took place the following day at the home and he was laid to rest in the Nowell White cemetery, just a short distance down the road from the farm he lived on all his life.

Grave of Joseph Warren Nowell

Joseph and Sallie had the following children:

1. Elizabeth Margaret Nowell - born 11 Nov 1913, died 13 Jul 1969 in Norfolk, Virginia.  Married Reginald Morgan Munden and adopted daughter Elizabeth Frances.
2. Walter Thomas Nowell - born, 10 Apr 1915, died 22 Sep 1998 in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina.  Married Florence Irene Winslow on 28 Dec 1946 and moved into the Jonathan White house. Had sons Walter Thomas Jr. and Roger, daughter Betty Jo.  Florence still lives in the Jonathan White house.  I remember Uncle Walter from my childhood.  
3. Ruth Adelaide Nowell - born 17 Jan 1918, died 29 Jan 2013 in Durham, North Carolina.  (see below)
4. Hattie Pearl Nowell - born 01 Feb 1920, died 29 Nov 2006 in Norfolk, Virginia.  Married Captain Robert Hoitt Alexander.  Aunt Hattie and Uncle Alec visited us several times when I was a child.  I still have a King Tut book they bought me when I was young. 
5. Joseph Warren Nowell, Jr. - born 26 Aug 1924, died 24 Jan 1985 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Served in the US Army in WWII, Enlisted at Fort Bragg on 28 Jun 1945 for te duration of the war.  Married Ann Hope Atkinson and had sons Joseph Warrren, III, Keith Melvin and Stephen Cannon.  Uncle Joe's farm was directly across Belvidere road from his father's farm.  Although he died when I was only 6 years old, I remember him well.  I remember going to his funeral.  It was the first time I ever saw my father cry. 

Ruth Adelaide Nowell

My grandmother, Ruth Adelaide Nowell (Joseph, Walter, Joseph, Rev. John, Dempsey Jr., Dempsey Sr., Martin, James) was born on 17 Jan 1918 in Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Carolina.  She spent her youth on her father's farm, but was never allowed to work the fields, no matter how hard she begged her daddy.  Ruth was a gifted athlete.  She started playing organized basketball in 1929 at the age of 11 while attending the Belvidere School.

Belvidere School Girl's Basketball team (1929) Ruth Nowell back row, 1st from the right

Belvidere School Girl's Basketball team (1930) Ruth Nowell seated with ball

Ruth attended Perquimans High School where she was an All-American Women's Basketball player.  My Dad remembers her shooting around with him and his friends when he was a boy.  She apparently still had a pretty sweet shot.

Perquimans High School Girl's Basketball team (1931) Ruth Nowell back row 1st from right

Perquimans High School Girl's Basketball team (1934) Ruth Nowell back row 1st from right

It was through basketball that Ruth met my grandfather, Selby Edward Stokes. Sr.   Selby was a sportswriter for The Daily Advance newspaper in Elizabeth City.  He was assigned to cover the local sports teams in the area.

1935 Perquimans High Women's Basketball team (Ruth Nowell, Captain, seated with ball)

Newspaper article written by Selby Stokes, Sr. and medals awarded to Ruth Nowell

I transcribed the above article written by my grandfather, Selby Edward Stokes, Sr.

March 15, 1935
Perquimans Girls Capture Honors At Rocky Mount Meet
Win Trophy as Well as Many Individual Medals - 30 Awards
Ruth Adelaide Nowell Highest Scorer in Tournament

     Still winning is that girl basketball team of Perquimans High.  They came out victorious in the invitational basketball tournament held in Rocky Mount through Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week.
     Twenty-eight teams were entered in this tournament.  The first victory for Perquimans was when they won over Benevue in the game played on Thursday.  This sent them to the semi-finals, where they played the "Y", an independent team, on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock.  The score was 37-30 in favor of Perquimans.  On Saturday night at 8 o'clock they took part in the finals, playing the Red Oak independent team.  Perquimans won by a score of 37-34.
     At no time during the tournament were the Perquimans girls behind in the scoring.  In the final game Prue Newby scored 22 points and featured for the girls.
     And so the Perquimans High School won the silver trophy for the championship, a cup which stands 16 inches high.  It is engraved with two girls holding a basketball.
     Miniature gold basketballs were presented to each of the players.  Ruth Adelaide Nowell, who starred in the tournament played in Elizabeth City the previous week, mopping up gold medals.
     She was awarded a gold medal making the highest score of anyone in the tournament.  She was awarded a gold medal for the best all around player in the tournament.  She was awarded a gold medal for making the all tournament team.
     Prue Newby was awarded a silver medal for second best player in the tournament and another silver medal for making the second all tournament team.
     Eula Nixon was awarded a gold medal for making the first tournament team.  Joyce Harrell, manager of the team was awarded a gold medal.
    Ruth Adelaide Nowell received the box of candy awarded by Hicks Drud Store to the prettiest girl in the tournament.  
     The thirty gold and silver awards won by the girls in the two tournaments will be on display in the window of Anderson's Drug Store.


As seen above, Ruth can be found in her father's household in the 1920 and 1930 Federal Census. She graduated from Perquimans High School on 16 May 1935.

Ruth Nowell's High School Diploma

Ruth & Dog at Mama's house (1937)

 
On 36 Jun 1937, Ruth received a Certificate of Proficiency in 20th Century Accounting from South-Western Publishing Company.

Ruth's Certificate of Proficiancy in 20th Century Accounting

Ruth left home for the first time in her life in 1937, attending the National School of Commerce in Charlotte, North Carolina where she received a degree in Business.

Ruth's Diploma from the National School of Commerce

She received her diploma on 26 Nov 1937 and returned home to Belvidere. She can be found in her father's home in the 1940 Federal Census.   When Ruth returned home, she started looking for a job.  The bus station in Hertford was a popular gathering place for young adults.  One evening she was approached by  Emmett Wesley who offered her a job as a book keeper.  She accepted the position and began her career. 

Ruth Nowell (late 1930's/early 1940's)

Around this time she also began to date Selby Edward Stokes, Sr.  They were married on 17 Jun 1943 at Epworth Methodist Church in Perquimans County.  Ruth's family had been long time members of Cedar Grove Methodist Church.  My grandma's cousin, Doris Nixon informed me that Epworth had an organ while Cedar Grove did not.  This was the reason Ruth chose to get married at Epworth.  Ruth and Selby spent their honeymoon in New York City, staying at the Hotel Commodore.

Ruth and Selby's Wedding Invitation

Ruth Nowell's Bridal Portrait

Selby and Ruth on their Wedding day

Selby was from Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina. Following their marriage, Ruth and Selby moved to 706 Morgan Street in Elizabeth City.  It was here that they began to grow their family.  Ruth continued working as a book keeper and Selby worked at the Elizabeth City Shipyard.

Ruth, Michael and Selby Sr. standing on the porch of 706 Morgan St. (1950)

During World War II, the Elizabeth City Shipyard was awarded contracts by the US Navy to build sub-chasers.  The Elizabeth City Shipyard set war time records, building the most sub chasers for the US Navy, and constructing them in the fastest time.  At least 30 sub chasers were built at he shipyard between April 1942 and July 1944.  During this time, Ruth and Selby's family grew.  My father, Selby Edward Stokes, Jr. was born in Elizabeth City on 29 Aug 1946.   

Ruth and Selby Jr. (1947)

My uncle Michael Warren Stokes was born in 01 May 1950.  As the war ended, so did the work at the shipyard.  Selby decided to go to Raleigh to look for a job.  He interviewed with the State Board of Education and was hired in the purchasing and contracts department.   Selby and Ruth moved their family to Raleigh in July of 1950.  They purchased a new home at 1000 Canterbury Road.  Shortly after moving to Raleigh, the Stokes family appeared in the local Raleigh paper, the News & Observer.  

Ruth, Michael, Selby Jr. & Selby Sr. (1950)

Stokes Homeplace at 1000 Canterbury Road

Since the 1950 Federal Census will not be released to the public until April 2022, we don't have a physical record of the Stokes household in 1950.  However, we do know that members of the household were Selby Sr. (age 40), Ruth (age 32), Selby Jr. (age 4) and Michael (age 0)

Shortly after moving to Raleigh, Ruth was approached by her nextdoor neighbor about taking a part time job at the insurance agency she worked at. She decided to take a chance and accept the job.  Six months later, her neighbor's husband was transferred.  This left a full time job opening at the insurance agency.  Her boss, T. A. Dick, asked Ruth if she could work full time.  With two little kids at home, that was going to be hard to do.  Apparently Mr. Dick saw something special in Ruth.  He gave her the full time job and allowed her to work when she could.  After proving herself, she was hired as the office manager.  I remember visiting her office when I was a little boy.
 

Ruth Stokes at work

On 10 Oct 1951 Ruth gave birth to a daughter.  She was named Ruth Nowell Stokes after her mother.   Ruth and Selby raised their family at 1000 Canterbury Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.  The children attended Fred Olds Elementary School, Daniels Middle School and Broughton High School. 

In 1960, Ruth and Selby's household included Selby Sr. (age 50), Ruth (age 42), Selby Jr. (age 14), Michael (age 10) and Nowell (age 9).

Stokes children, January 1961.  Michael, Selby Jr. & Nowell

Selby and Ruth (1962)

By 1970, all the children had graduated high school and moved out of the house.  My Dad attended Campbell college for a semester before enlisting in the Navy.  Michael attended North Carolina State University, receiving a degree in Parks and Recreation.  He went on to receive his masters degree from the University of Georgia.  Nowell attended East Carolina University where she earned a degree in teaching. 



In the summer of 2011, my grandmother had a stroke.  It took away her ability to have lengthy conversations, but it didn't take away her memory.  Truth be told, after her stroke we became closer than we had ever been.  I used to visit her on my lunch break at least once a week.  It was during this time that I began researching our family history.  I went back to Belvidere and took pictures of her old homeplace and tried to collect as many family photographs as possible.  On my visits, I would show my new discoveries.  One time I found a picture of her grandmother, Elizabeth Frances Miller from the early 1900's.  When I showed her the picture, she immediately said "that's my grandma".  It was a great feeling to be able to help connect her to her past. 

Ruth Stokes 95th Birthday

On 17 Jan 2013, my grandma turned 95 years old.  My father and I took her out to lunch and celebrated her milestone.  Two weeks later, she had massive stroke.  Grandma was unable to recover from this one.  She was placed in hospice care where she passed away on 29 Jan 2013.  It wasn't easy to say goodbye, but I know her homecoming was something special, being able to reunite with her parents, husband and daughter.  I miss her and our times together. Family was very important to my grandma.  She used to keep up with everyone back in Perquimans County.  I remember when we would take her out to eat, she would always keep us updated on how so-and-so was doing.  Sadly back then, sometimes I didn't know who she was referring to.  After several years of researching our family, we would have quite a bit to talk about now. 

The following information was found in a notebook on 28 Sep 2011 while moving some of my Grandma’s things to her new room at Croasdale Methodist Retirement home in Durham NC.   This information was compiled sometime in 2010.   This is known due to Grandma referring to her being 92 years old in the notebook. This notebook is something that I will always treasure.  It's a handwritten account directly from my grandma about her immediate family.  I've transcribed it verbatim.  

Married

Joseph Warren Nowell

Sarah Elizabeth White

married January 15, 1913 (Her mothers house)

Rev. B.P. Robinson

Wit.  Minnie Hollowell

Births

Elizabeth Margaret Nowell  - Nov. 11, 1913

Walter Thomas Nowell – April 10, 1915

Ruth Adelaide Nowell – Jan. 17, 1918

Hattie Pearl Nowell – Feb. 1, 1920

Joseph Warren Nowell, Jr. – Aug. 26, 1924

Marriages

Elizabeth M. Nowell to Reginald Munden

1937 – Cedar Grove Methodist Church

No children – Adopted Frances Munden when she was 6 wks old.   Elizabeth and Reg. were living in Suffolk, VA.   Reg. was managing a feed store for his brother in law.  His brother in law lived in Elizabeth City and had a feed store there.  Reg. delivered feed to my fathers farm.   I think this is how they met – when sister finished High School.   She went to Norfolk and lived with my father’s sister (aunt Pearl).  She ended up working where she took a job in cosmotology in Norfolk.  Reg. managed a store there.  My sister ended up going into business on her own – beauty shop and school.   Stomach Cancer hit her.  A terrible case.  Thirteen months and she was relieved from a lot of pain.  My first son was married on July 12, 1969.  Part of the relatives were in Raleigh, part stayed in Norfolk.  Reginald Munden was @ Norfolk.

The next child that was born to the Joe and Sallie Union was :

Walter Thomas Nowell

April 10, 1915.  Graduated High School – started farming with my father.   Married Florence Winslow on Dec. 29, 1946.   To the union, 3 children were born:

1.   Walter Thomas Nowell (Tommy) – Aug, 1, 1950
2.   Betty Jo Nowell –
3.   Roger Nowell – 

                        

The next one added to the union of Joe and Sallie Nowell was:

Ruth Adelaide Nowell

Jan. 17, 1918

married Selby Edward Stokes July 17, 1943 (Epworth Methodist Church Winfall NC)

Education: Perquimans Co. High School (May 16, 1935)

National School of Commerce – Charlotte NC.  Business Course.   Nov. 26, 1937

Received a certificate of proficiency in 20^th Century Accounting.  June 26, 1937
– Went back to my home.   Started job looking, to Virginia several times.  The bus station in Hertford was the gathering place for young people.  One night I was in there.  Emmett Wesley walked over to the table and asked me if I would like to work for him.  He needed a book keeper.  My answer was yes.   I was delighted.  Stayed at home until I got married.  June 17, 1943.   Lived in Elizabeth City 7 years.   Moved to Raleigh cause my husband needed a job.  The war had ended, so had the shipyard.  The airplane assembly plant had too.  A lot of people were out of jobs.  My husband, Selby Stokes of Elizabeth City made a trip to Raleigh with a school mate from Elizabeth City.  There was a job available in the State Board of Education.  He applied, purchasing and contracts.  Worked there until he retired.   Neighbor next door to where we lived, a new insurance agent needed someone.  She asked me if I would like nothing but part time work with 2 children.  Just take it, so I did.  After a few months, her husband was transferred.  Full time – no.  Boss man says “when you can”  of course someone had to be hired.  Wanted me in charge.  So after 28 years a good time it had turned out to be, Insurance Agent, manager and all.   Business was sold.  

Selby Stokes was employed at the Elizabeth City Shipyard.   They were awarded contracts from the Navy to build “sub chasers”.  Married Selby June 17, 1943.  Moved to Elizabeth City to work at the Airplane Assembly Plant.   A very successful marriage added three children, 2 boys and 1 girl.   They all managed to get educations.  One son went in the service – Navy, served his 4 years.  Married his last year in the service.  Came back to Raleigh and went to school and his wife went back to her old job.  When son finished , son went to work with IBM.   Joined Navy Reserve.   Called back to war Oct 2003.   60 years old and you have to get out.  30 yrs IBM, 30 yrs Navy.  Retired.

One grandson, Selby III

Middle son - Michael – never married.   Got degree in Parks and Recreation.  Working in Bedford, VA.

Daughter – R. Nowell -  she taught for 15 years. Deceased.  Lump in breast cancer.  Roughly 20 months.  Died Nov. 18, 1991. 

Next one to the Joe and Sallie Union was:

Hattie Pearl Nowell

Feb. 1, 1920.  Finished Perquimans High School.  Took the civil service exam and got a job in Washington D.C.  It worried my mama Hattie was leaving home and going to the big city.  Yes there was someone in Belvidere  that was married and living in D.C.  Judy (sp) Anne and her husband.  They would be glad to take Hattie in.  She lived with Uncle Paul for a few years.  She put in for a transfer to Norfolk Naval Base.  Civil Service she worked, 26 yrs mostly in the Norfolk Area.   While living in Norfolk, Hattie married a retired Navy Capt. (Capt. Robert Alexander) who preceded her in death.  Deceased Nov. 29, 2006.

Next one to the Joe and Sallie Union was:

Joseph Warren Nowell, Jr.

Birth: 8/26/1924

Death: 1/24/1985

Married: Ann Atkinson – April 8, 1950.   Ann was a teacher at Perquimans High School.   Joe was a farmer.  Three boys were added to this union:

Joseph Warren Nowell, III

Keith Melvin Nowell

Steve Cannon  Nowell

Ann never remarried.   The three boys seem to be doing alright.  Warren works for Keith.  Warren has a college education in accounting.  Not married.  The other two are married.  Steve – separated, working for bank in Hertford County? Has 16 yr old daughter.  Keith married several times.  Warren I don’t think has  tried it.  Ann is making her home with Keith. 

Deaths

Elizabeth Nowell Munden – July 13, 1969 – Age 55

Reginald Munden – Jan 13, 1991 – Age 81

Selby Edward Stokes – April 16, 1997 – Age 87

Walter Nowell – Sept. 22, 1998 – Age 83

Hattie Nowell Alexander – Nov. 29, 2006 – Age 86

Joseph Warren Nowell, Jr. – Jan. 24, 1985 – Age 60

Ruth Nowell Stokes – Age 92 – Still here – living in a retirement home, counting my blessings

Ruth Nowell Stokes, age 93

In Memory of Ruth Nowell Stokes

January 17, 1918 - January 29, 2013

Ruth Nowell Stokes, 95, of Durham, NC, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. A native of Perquimans County, Ruth was born to the late Joseph Warren Nowell and Sallie White Nowell. Ruth worked in insurance for T. A. Dick Insurance Agency and the Doug Sutton Agency for many years.

She is survived by two sons, Selby Edward Stokes, Jr., and wife Joyce of Raleigh, and Michael Warren Stokes of Bedford, VA, and grandson Selby Edward (Chip) Stokes III of Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband Selby Edward Stokes Sr. of Raleigh and a daughter, Ruth Nowell Stokes of Morehead City, NC.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 1st, from 1:00-2:00 PM, with a memorial service following at 2:00 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612. A private inurnment will follow the service.

Memorial Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to Croasdaile Village, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, NC 27704.