-Press Release, Granville County Government
What started as two separate genealogical research projects – one by a woman of primarily African ancestry and one by a man of European descent – eventually intersected when a DNA match connected the two, leading them back to Granville County.
The story of the ancestral search of Pamela Williams of Virginia and James Wilson of South Carolina has been presented in educational programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh and twice at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation of Williamsburg, VA.
On Saturday, February 23, the story will come “home” to Granville County during a program in celebration of Black History Month.
Pamela Bagley Williams and James Wilson pose in front of the 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.
“Two Races, One Family” will be presented at 1:30 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library as Ms. Williams describes the journey that led to finding her ancestor “Henry,” a Granville County slave prior to the Civil War. What she had not counted on, however, was finding a modern-day relative, James Wilson, who had also been researching his own family tree.
Through online genealogical research, as well as through centuries-old documents and court records, both Williams and Wilson followed leads to an 1842 court case involving the intestate estate of Robert Burton Wilson (James’ 4th great-grandfather) which listed 28 slaves. One of these slaves was Williams’ second great-grandfather “Henry,” along with his mother “Hanah,” who would have been Williams’ third great-grandmother.
Through DNA testing in 2016, it was determined that Williams and Wilson had a common paternal ancestor, which made them distant cousins.
The February 23 presentation at the Thornton Library will include the story of Williams’ and Wilson’s personal ancestral journeys, focusing on Williams’ traditional and online genealogy research, Wilson’s ancestry research and family tree development, and the DNA testing that brought the two researchers together.
The presentation will also bring to light the cultural norms of the period and an insight into the slave/master relationships of tobacco plantations during the Colonial/Antebellum era.
The 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.
A retired Probate Specialist from the Spotsylvania Circuit Court (VA), Pamela Williams – a native of Granville County and a 1977 graduate of J.F. Webb High School – is a paralegal employed with Herndon Law, P.C. in Glen Allen, VA. She has 20 years experience in ancestry research and preservation and has spoken at numerous conferences on genealogy and the importance of court records and historical documents in researching ancestral heritage.
James Wilson, who began his genealogical research as a hobby, is Chief Performance Officer for a North Carolina 100 company. He grew up on a plot of land that was once owned by his 5th great-grandfather John Wilson, who was one of the early European settlers in Granville County in the 1760s. Today, James lives in Greenville, SC.
Wilson’s daughter, Dr. Jamie Wilson, provided the cultural context of the research conducted by both Williams and her father. Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in U.S. History and is an adjunct professor of history at the University of South Carolina. She is considered an expert on antebellum slavery.
“Every journey in life leaves a trail,” Williams said of her experience. “Follow the trails and they will lead to the paths of your ancestors.”
The “Two Races, One Family” presentation is open to the public and all interested in learning more about genealogy, the use of historical archives, Colonial plantations, slavery laws in Granville County and how the lives of these two researchers eventually intersected are invited to attend.
For further information about this program, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at (919) 693-1121.
Story of ‘Two Races, One Family’ to Come ‘Home’ to Granville County
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Granville County Government
What started as two separate genealogical research projects – one by a woman of primarily African ancestry and one by a man of European descent – eventually intersected when a DNA match connected the two, leading them back to Granville County.
The story of the ancestral search of Pamela Williams of Virginia and James Wilson of South Carolina has been presented in educational programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh and twice at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation of Williamsburg, VA.
On Saturday, February 23, the story will come “home” to Granville County during a program in celebration of Black History Month.
Pamela Bagley Williams and James Wilson pose in front of the 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.
“Two Races, One Family” will be presented at 1:30 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library as Ms. Williams describes the journey that led to finding her ancestor “Henry,” a Granville County slave prior to the Civil War. What she had not counted on, however, was finding a modern-day relative, James Wilson, who had also been researching his own family tree.
Through online genealogical research, as well as through centuries-old documents and court records, both Williams and Wilson followed leads to an 1842 court case involving the intestate estate of Robert Burton Wilson (James’ 4th great-grandfather) which listed 28 slaves. One of these slaves was Williams’ second great-grandfather “Henry,” along with his mother “Hanah,” who would have been Williams’ third great-grandmother.
Through DNA testing in 2016, it was determined that Williams and Wilson had a common paternal ancestor, which made them distant cousins.
The February 23 presentation at the Thornton Library will include the story of Williams’ and Wilson’s personal ancestral journeys, focusing on Williams’ traditional and online genealogy research, Wilson’s ancestry research and family tree development, and the DNA testing that brought the two researchers together.
The presentation will also bring to light the cultural norms of the period and an insight into the slave/master relationships of tobacco plantations during the Colonial/Antebellum era.
The 1760’s Wilson home in Granville County. Photo courtesy Granville County Government.
A retired Probate Specialist from the Spotsylvania Circuit Court (VA), Pamela Williams – a native of Granville County and a 1977 graduate of J.F. Webb High School – is a paralegal employed with Herndon Law, P.C. in Glen Allen, VA. She has 20 years experience in ancestry research and preservation and has spoken at numerous conferences on genealogy and the importance of court records and historical documents in researching ancestral heritage.
James Wilson, who began his genealogical research as a hobby, is Chief Performance Officer for a North Carolina 100 company. He grew up on a plot of land that was once owned by his 5th great-grandfather John Wilson, who was one of the early European settlers in Granville County in the 1760s. Today, James lives in Greenville, SC.
Wilson’s daughter, Dr. Jamie Wilson, provided the cultural context of the research conducted by both Williams and her father. Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in U.S. History and is an adjunct professor of history at the University of South Carolina. She is considered an expert on antebellum slavery.
“Every journey in life leaves a trail,” Williams said of her experience. “Follow the trails and they will lead to the paths of your ancestors.”
The “Two Races, One Family” presentation is open to the public and all interested in learning more about genealogy, the use of historical archives, Colonial plantations, slavery laws in Granville County and how the lives of these two researchers eventually intersected are invited to attend.
For further information about this program, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at (919) 693-1121.
Granville Vance Public Health Announces Funding Still Available for WIC Program
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Granville County Government’s Facebook page
UPDATE FROM GRANVILLE VANCE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
The WIC program still has funding available, even with the risk of a second (potential) government shutdown. NC eWIC cards will still work at grocery stores that accept WIC benefits.
Call your local WIC office at 919-693-1333 (Granville County) or 252-492-3147 (Vance County) if you have any questions.
Regulators Notify Industry Regarding CBD Products in the Marketplace
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is sending out letters next week to manufacturers and retailers who sell products containing CBD oil, detailing what is legal to sell in North Carolina.
“Under federal Food and Drug Administration laws, CBD is considered a drug,” said Joe Reardon, NCDA&CS assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “North Carolina state laws mirror federal laws. This means that CBD cannot legally be added to any human food or animal feed that is for sale.”
The product can also not make health claims, including statements that the product may prevent, treat or cure any disease. Failure to comply could result in embargo or seizure of products.
“We are taking an educate before regulate stance with industry,” Reardon said. “We know they may not be aware of the state laws regarding the addition of a drug to a food product. However, we reserve the right to be more assertive, as other states have been, if we need to be in the future. Our main concern is consumer health and safety with any product that falls under our regulatory authority.”
“We also urge consumers to be smart shoppers and ask questions before choosing to purchase any tincture that contains cbd öl or hemp extract. Find out how the product is manufactured, if the company has purity standards and what the potency may be,” he said.
Industry with questions about the regulation of CBD can call the Food and Drug Protection Division, 919-733-7366.
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/by LarryThomas Arrested on 52 Felony Drug Violations; Million Dollar Bond Set
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On February 6, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Special Response Team, Community Action Team and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), arrested Vance County resident, Jhi’Tay Thomas, on 52 Felony drug violations.
This investigation began when the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit received information that Jhi’Tay Thomas was involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances throughout Franklin and surrounding counties.
Drug Unit Detectives and ALE Agents began what resulted in a two-month investigation in which the allegations were confirmed. During the investigation, Thomas brought and sold Marijuana and Ecstasy (MDMA) on numerous occasions. The investigation and arrest resulted in 675 Ecstasy Pills and 80 grams of Marijuana being seized. The street value of these drugs totaled $18,465.
On February 6, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Special Response Team, Community Action Team and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), arrested Vance County resident, Jhi’Tay Thomas, on 52 Felony drug violations. (Photo: FCSO)
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “This investigation was extremely important because the intended recipient of Ecstasy Pills is often teenagers. Removing these pills and those who sell them off our streets will make our communities safer. The partnerships and teamwork exhibited during these types of operations continue to provide positive results for our County.”
In addition to ALE, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the Louisburg Police Department, Henderson Police Department and the North Carolina National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
Jhi’Tay Thomas
1840 Farm Street
Henderson, NC 27536
DOB: 03/11/1998
Jhi’Tay Thomas was issued a citation on the following:
Jhi’Tay Thomas was charged with the following:
For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
Bundy Appointed Chief Finance Officer for Vance County Schools
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Michael Bundy has been appointed as the new chief officer for Finance and Business Operations for Vance County Schools. Members of the Vance County Board of Education approved his appointment at their regular monthly meeting this evening.
Bundy is joining Vance County Schools after serving since September of 2015 as the finance officer for Moore County Schools in Pinehurst.
“It will be an honor and privilege to serve the students, staff and community of Vance County Schools,” Bundy said. “It is rewarding to know that I will have a small part in the success of students in their journey to achieve their goals of a bright future.”
Michael Bundy has been appointed as the new chief officer for Finance and Business Operations for Vance County Schools. Bundy is joining Vance County Schools after serving since September of 2015 as the finance officer for Moore County Schools in Pinehurst.
Bundy has held finance positions at the state level. Prior to serving in Moore County Schools, he served in the finance department in the Cumberland County School System. He also is a former president of the N.C. Association of School Business Officers and is highly regarded and recognized as one of the best finance officers in the state.
“Mr. Bundy is imminently qualified and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the areas of school finance, accounting and auditing to us,” said Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools.
“We are indeed fortunate to get someone with Mr. Bundy’s background, experience and of his caliber,” Jackson added. “I am confident that he will lead our finance team to the next level of excellence and will enable us to stay on our positive trajectory organizationally and financially.”
He is a certified public accountant and a certified school business officer. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Wingate University and his master’s of business administration degree from Campbell University.
Bundy will officially begin his employment with Vance County Schools on April 1.
He succeeds Jennifer Bennett, who has taken the finance leadership position with Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.