No answers in sight

My daddy is the man who raised me. I know who he is. His name is Carl.

My biological father is the man who created me. I know who he is. His name is Harry.

Carl and Harry knew each other. Socialized together. Vacationed together. Spent holidays with their families together. 

Two very different men with two very different roles. I terribly wish I could speak with both of them, but to have very different conversations. 

If I had just 10 minutes with each man...

I'd simply hold my daddy's sweet hand, put my head on his strong shoulder, close my eyes, and just breath. Words would not be necessary. 

I'd ask my father one critical question:  Did you know about me? 

A few years ago, I learned via DNA that my mother had an affair with a man she worked for in the late 1950s. I knew this man. And his wife. And their son. They were close friends of my parents. When they retired to a sunny tropical place, we visited numerous times. I remember these folks very fondly. 

I've also discovered that my daddy was likely sterile. Possibly from war wounds, or possibly from his exposure to toxic chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune during his military service. That's a whole situation.  

So was daddy's likely inability to make a baby what spurred my mother's relationship with my father? Deliberately, so they could have a family? Or was it just a passionate moment that took an unexpected turn? Was it an ongoing relationship? Did his wife know? Did my daddy know? Shoot, I'll never know. But I speculate on this quite a lot.

I never would have pegged this man to be my father. Once DNA convinced me Carl was not my bio father, I started searching for him. I had a mental list of potential candidates. This man was not on my list. So when I saw his name, it hit me like a ton of bricks. 

Memories of time spent with both couples only add to my long list of questions.  Someone recently asked me "does it really matter"?  Well, yes. And no. 

Since I learned of this situation, I've done quite a lot of research on the biological family. Some living bio family members weren't thrilled about this. Offended even. Others didn't seem to care. A few have been very kind and supportive. The research allows me to feel like I knew these folks who were my family. I've even found some things about them that made me feel pride. And sadness. Even found a few scandals. No different from most families.

I will wrangle with this the rest of my life. Not in a bad way. I don't wring my hands, or have any negative emotions toward anyone over it. But I do have questions. Lots of questions. It changed everything. It changed nothing.

The real issue is what to do with the unknown. I'll admit that I even have a little geeky fun digging for answers. 

I'm still processing, even though it has now been years since I made the discovery. Good thing I'm a genealogist. I know which rocks to look under.

No Place for Hate

We all have family members we wish belonged to someone else's family. In this particular case, I have to admit I wish this person didn't belong to any family. What he did was so terribly awful, no branch of the family would want to claim him.

Every family has a black sheep. Mine has a bunch. From moonshiners to gamblers to alcoholics. All sorts. 

You've probably read the news accounts of the shooting at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC last week. Kenneth Morgan Stancil is accused of shooting a college employee. His motive? Hate.

According to news reports, Kenneth Stancil claims to have killed because a man was gay and "deserved to die". How appalling. He also claims to have killed others. 

Oddly, family members have been scurrying around trying to figure out which line Kenneth Stancil hails from. Turns out to be my line. William Stancil and his wife Africa. His middle name, Morgan, is an old family name from my 3rd great grandmother Elizabeth Morgan who married William Young Stancil around 1835. I'm not sure if this is really the origin of his middle name, but it sure is a coincidence.

This is one black sheep I sure wish didn't belong to my family. Or anyone's family. 

There's just no place in the world for hate.

Stancil gives program on finding family histories, March 19, 2015

From the Kenly News, March 11, 2015:

Stancil to discuss genealogy March 19
3/11/2015

Those who missed the Historical Society program given by Vann Stancil last Thursday night can still learn about how to find family histories on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the second session. Stancil will go over ways to find family information and the resources available, such as websites and cemeteries. There will also be a question and answer time. For more information about the program to be held at the museum in downtown Kenly, call Betty Pope at the Kenly Library at 919-284-4217. (Kenly is in Johnston County, NC.)

Macon McNair Stancil, 1924 - 1954

Montlawn Cemetery, Raleigh, NC

My paternal uncle, Macon McNair STANCIL, was born 16 Oct 1924 in Johnston County, NC as the second child of Jesse Bernard STANCIL and Ada Lou JOHNSON. 

His nickname was "Little Joe".

He had five siblings:  Jesse Roland, Eric Ray, Cecil Braxton, Edith Cavelle, and Carl Donald. 

Macon was employed as a N.C. State Prison Guard and he also worked at famed Cooper's BBQ in Raleigh, NC.

He was counted in the census in 1930 in Wake County, NC at age 5. He was also counted in the census in 1940 in Wake County, NC at age 15. 

When he was 18, Macon registered for the draft as required by law. However, he did not serve likely due to his health issues.

He died on 19 Dec 1954 in Wake County, NC from diabetes. He was buried on 21 Dec 1954 in Wake County, NC at Montlawn Cemetery in Raleigh.

Joseph Stancil, 1840 - 1889, Johnston County, NC

Joseph STANCIL, my illustrious 3rd great uncle, was born in 1840 in Johnston County, NC as the fourth child of William Young STANCIL and Elizabeth Sallie MORGAN. 

He had eight siblings: Young Allen, Elizabeth, Seviah, Prudia, Moses, Edney, Aaron, and William. 

When he was 27, he married Sarah E GODWIN,daughter of Stevenson GODWIN and Elizabeth FLOWERS, on 15 Mar 1867 in Johnston County, NC.

Joseph STANCIL was counted in the census in...

• 1850 in District 15, Johnston, North Carolina. 
• 1860 in Neuse River, Johnston, North Carolina
• 1870 in Elevation, Johnston, North Carolina
• 1880 in Johnston County, North Carolina

Joseph served in the US Civil War in the NC 24th, Co. I. 

Once the war was over, Joseph and Sarah started a family:

• L. Florence STANCIL, born on 12 Feb 1866 in Johnston County, NC (Elevation Township). She died on 22 Oct 1917 in Harnett County, NC.
• Mary C. STANCIL, born in 1870 in Johnston County, NC (Elevation Township).
• Orther M STANCIL, born in 1871 in Johnston County, NC (Elevation Township).
• Arthur M. STANCIL, born about 1871. He married Lalan JOHNSON on 03 Feb 1892 in Johnston County, NC

Joseph died about Jul 1889 in Johnston County, NC. 

Emily Massengill Stancil, Johnston Co, NC, 1848-1884

Emily MASSENGILL, my 3rd great aunt, was born July 1848 in North Carolina as the second child of my 3rd great grandparents, Aaron MASSENGILL and Wilsie HARPER. She had two siblings, Mary Ann Rebecca and Bethena Hawkins.  

When she was 18, Emily married Moses STANCIL, my 3rd great uncle and also son of my 3rd great grandparents, William Young STANCIL and Elizabeth Sallie MORGAN, on 11 Dec 1866 in Johnston County, NC.

I descend from her sister, Mary Ann Rebecca, who married William Stancil, a brother of Moses. Two sisters married two brothers! AND...each of them are children of my 3rd great grandparents. How weird is THAT?

Moses served in the Confederate Army along with his two brothers Young Allen and Joseph Stancil. He helped build the Ironclad Abemarle and then fought on it in the battle at Plymouth, NC and until it was torpedoed. He served with Company B, 8th BN of NC. 

Emily was counted in the 1860 census in the Neuse River area of Johnston County, NC. She was also counted in 1880 the census in Smithfield, Johnston County, NC.

Moses and Emily had the following children prior to her death at age 36:

1. F. L. Stancel was born about 1869 in NC.
2. Bettie STANCIL was born about 1870 and died in 1891 in NC. 
3. David H. STANCIL was born about 1871 in NC.
4. William Aaron STANCIL was born about 1875 in NC.
5. S. H. Stancel was born about 1878 in NC.
6. Moses Luther STANCIL was born on 28 Dec 1879 in NC.
7. Junius J. STANCIL was born in 1882.

Emily died of July 1884 in Johnston County, NC. 

Eric Ray Stancil, 1926 - 1999

Eric Ray STANCIL was born on 14 Feb 1926 in Johnston County, North Carolina, as the third child of Jesse Bernard STANCIL and Ada Lou JOHNSON. 

He had five siblings: Jesse Roland, Macon McNair, Cecil Braxton, Edith Cavelle, and Carl Donald (my father). 

On May 11, 1944, he voluntarily enlisted in the US Navy as an Apprentice Seaman. Initially, he was assigned to Camp Perry in Magruder, Virginia and the USS Shamrock Bay. 

• July 15, 1944: Transferred to Norfolk, VA. USS Shamrock Bay. Authorized to wear the European African Middle Eastern ARMA Ribbon.
• Dec. 16, 1944:  Crossed the 180th Meridian at Lat 11 degrees, 20 East, qualified as a Shellrack. 
• Dec. 21, 1944:  Crossed the equator at Long 153, 20 East, qualified as a Shellrack. Authorized to wear the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon.
• Dec. 31, 1944 - Jan 27, 1945: Participated in the invasion and occupation of Luzon (WW II Battle of Luzon in The Philippines) between Dec. 31, 1944 and Jan. 27, 1945.
• Jan 4 - 18, 1945:  Lingayen Gulf Landing 
• Jan. 8, 1945: Participated in action against the Japanese at Luzon.
• Feb. 16, 1945 - March 5, 1945:  Participated in the invasion and occupation of Iwo Jima. Authorized to wear the star on Asia-Pacific Bar.
• March 13 - June 27, 1945: Participated in Okinawa Operation.
• June 30, 1945: Authorized to wear the Philippine Liberation Bar for action against the enemy on Jan 8, 1945. 
• August 26, 1945: Authorized to wear the bronze star in the Philippine Liberation Bar for participation in Battle of Luzon. Also authorized to wear a bronze star in Asiatic-Pacific Bar for participating in the Lingayen Gulf Landing and for participation in Okinawa Operation.
• Oct. 26, 1945: Transferred to ComAirPac for further assignment.
• Feb 7, 1946 - March 13, 1945: Granted 30 days leave plus 4 days travel time for serving 18 months outside the continental US.
• March 13, 1946: Reported to Norfolk, Va.
• April 11, 1946: Transferred to Charleston, SC
• May 13, 1946:  Transferred to naval station at Green Cove Springs, Florida.
• May 17, 1946:  Honorably discharged from the Navy.

Summary of Battles 
• Dec - Jan 1945:  Battle of Luzon
• Jan 1945: Lingayen Gulf Landing
• Feb - March 1945:  Iwo Jima
• March - June 1945:  Okinawa

Summary of Medals
• American Area Camp Medal
• Eur-African-Mid East Camp Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Camp Medal, 3 stars
• Philippine Liberation Ribbon, 1 star
• Point System, World War II Victory Medal



When he was 33, he married his 2nd wife, Nannie Mae LEWIS, daughter of Jesse Edward LEWIS and Lillian Mae JONES, on 28 Feb 1959 in Wake County, North Carolina.

After his service in the military, Eric was employed by Coopers BBQ Stand, Pine State Creamery, Raleigh Times, Oil Company in Wake County, North Carolina, USA. 

He was counted in the census in 1930  and 1940 census in Wake County, North Carolina.

Eric was my uncle, my father's older brother. I remember him as a very happy and affectionate fellow. He was my very favorite uncle.

Eric died on 12 Jun 1998 in Wake County, North Carolina at age 72. He is buried at Mountlawn Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.

Agnes Belle Stancil Sauls, 1900 - 1969

John Exum Sauls and
Agnes Belle Stancil Sauls

Agnes Belle STANCIL, my great aunt on my father's side, was born on 15 Jul 1901 in Johnston County, North Carolina as the youngest child of Joseph Henry STANCIL and Fannie A. JOHNSON. 

She had two siblings; my grandfather Jesse Bernard, and Mary Pearl. 

When she was 19, Aunt Belle married John Exum SAULS, son of Leonard Jefferson SAULS and Dizzie JOHNSON, on 14 Dec 1919 in Johnston County, North Carolina.

The 1930 census found Aunt Belle and her family in Durham County, North Carolina. She was 29 years old. She also appears on the 1940 census.

Aunt Belle and husband John Exum SAULS had 5 children:

1. Agnes Louise SAULS, born on 26 Feb 1921 in Granville County, North Carolina. She died in Jan 1969 and married Unknown FALCON on 25 Jun 1943.

2. John Exum SAULS was born on 25 Aug 1922 in Granville County, North Carolina, USA.

3. Joseph Willard SAULS was born on 14 Jun 1925 in Orange County, North Carolina. He died on 27 Jun 1940 in Hoke County, North Carolina.

4. Herbert Hoover SAULS was born on 17 Jan 1928 in Archer Lodge, Johnston County, North Carolina. He died in Nov 1928.

5. Garland Linwood SAULS was born on 03 Mar 1932 in Durham County, North Carolina.

I have been told Aunt Belle had Type II Diabetes and was blind. She died on 27 Jan 1969 in Johnston County, North Carolina at age 68.

Mrs. Agnes Sauls
Rites are Slated

Mrs. Agnes Sauls, 68, of Route 2, Clayton, died Monday in Johnston Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

She was a native of Johnston County. Her parents were the late Joseph H. and Fannie Johnson Stancil.

A graveside service will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Durham, The Rev. Ronald Creech will officiate.

She is survived by her husband, John E. Sauls; one daughter Mrs. Agnes Sauls Falcon of New Orleans, LA, two sons, John E. Sauls of Littleton, CO., and Garland L. Sauls of Durham; 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

William Stancil Land Grant in Cumberland County, NC 1807

Cover:

Wm Stancil

100 Acres Land

No. 379

Grant:

State of North Carolina

Cumberland County

Surveyed Sept 26, 1807 for William Stancil

100 acres of land in said county warrant No. 379 and Ent. Oct 1, 1799

Beginning at a stake ?? on or near Elizabeth Stewart back line of her land toward Averas corner then at Averas line north sixty then past forty six chains to a pine in the edge of the south field road then south twenty four east seventeen chains and fifty links to a stake and pointer on Averas line then north forty four east thirty three chains and fifty links then north forty six and fifteen chains then south sixty six west seventy six chains along Elizabeth Stewart’s line of her back track to her line of the Avera survey then as that link to the Beginning.

Alexander Avera

James Carraway

James McNeil, Surv.

High School Alumni Newsletters: Jesse Roland Stancil

Brought High School Alumni Newsletter
Summer 2001

An often overlooked source (at least, by me...) is the good 'ole high school alumni newsletter. I'm sure not every high school has one, but if they do, it can contain pictures and information that will make your heart pitter patter.

Take for instance Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC. It is one of the oldest high schools in Wake County and ranked as one of the top high schools in the nation. It's a New Deal school - large and imposing constructed of stone. Love those New Deal schools. 

A lovely gentleman - whose name I can't recall, naturally - has worked long and hard to keep the lines of communication open for Broughton alumni. He was with the Class of 1941. I spoke with him several years ago, and he recalled my Uncle Roland clearly as well as all those "Stancil boys". He even remembered the lady (Miss Vada Dew) my uncle was sweet on  in high school. She is still alive and living in Raleigh!  How cool is that?

He sent me the newsletter in which he had included a blurb about my uncle's death in World War II. 

PFC Jesse Roland Stancil attended Lewis School and Broughton in the '30s and enlisted in the Army on April 8, 1943. He landed in the Anzio Invasion and fought up the "boot" of Italy with Co. I, 157th Reg. of the 45th Division. Jesse Roland was killed in southern France on October 21, 1944 and is buried in Montlawn Cemetery in Raleigh. There were six Stancil boys and one girl who lived at 51 N. West Street in Raleigh, NC.

He even included two pictures of him.  I was very impressed, not to mention touched by his efforts to communicate with alumni and let them in on the news of one another. 

So don't do like I did and neglect to check with the high schools attended by your family members. You just might get a lovely surprise!

Independence Day

I can't let Independence Day come and go without pausing a moment to brag. Not brag so much as to recognize my Patriot ancestors who personally had a hand (or gave a life) to help create a new nation:

1. CYRUS DAVIS of Granville County, NC served in Donoho's Company from April 1776 to September 1778. 

2. JONES FULLER of Granville County, NC served with the Granville Militia in Cept. Solomon Alston's Company. 

3. MESHAK FULLER served from Granville County, NC.

4. JOEL JOHNSON served from Johnston County, NC.

5. JOHN JOHNSON of Johnston County, NC was a Pvt. with the 2nd North Carolina Batt. He served under Capt. Manlore Tarrant and Col. John Patten.  

6. BENJAMIN MATTHEWS served from Bladen County, NC. He received 207 pounds 5 shillings in 1783 for some unspecified participation.

7. MATTHEW MOORE of Cumberland County, NC served with his father, WILLIAM MOORE. 

8. WILLIAM MOORE of Cumberland County, NC served in Lt. Col's Company enlisting July 20, 1778.

9. GODFREY STANCIL of Tyrrell County, NC served on the Pitt County Safety Committee during the war.

10. JOHN STANCIL of Wake County, NC served in Capt. Polk's Regiment 1776 - 1784.

11. PETER STANCIL of Tyrrell County, NC gave his life in service. He was in the 10th Reg., Capt. Bradley's Company. In his service file found at the NC Archives is this one statement:  

"I hereby certify that Peter Stancil served as a continental soldier in the North Carolina Line and dec'd in the service thereof. Given under my hand this 23rd fay of December, 1796. John Mecleara"

For his service and death, Peter's heirs were entitled to a land bounty given after the war by the State of North Carolina. The land was in Tennessee.

I am sure there are many other patriot ancestors I have not yet identified. 

It makes me quite proud that my family - both paternal and maternal - helped step us toward democracy. 

Somewhere between your first burger and your last hotdog tomorrow, be sure to pause a moment to remember why you have the day off. If not for the Peter Stancil's of the world who gave their lives in service, we would not be enjoying a beautiful celebration in the land of the free. 

William Stancil and wife Edney Moore

My 4th great grandfather, William STANCIL, was born about 1760 in Cumberland County, NC. He was the first child of William STANCIL and unknown wife. As far as I can tell, he had only one sibling, Peter. 

His wife and my 4th great grandmother, Edney MOORE, was born about 1785 also in Cumberland County, NC. She was the fourth child of Matthew MOORE and wife Prudence. Edney had twelve siblings:  Benjamin, Hardy, Perry, John, Lewis, Britton, Prudence, Matthew, Nancy, Mary, Silas, and Sarah Henrie. 

William STANCIL and Edney MOORE had three children:

• William Young STANCIL was born on 10 May 1803 in Cumberland County, NC. He died in 1880 in Johnston County, NC. He married Elizabeth Sallie MORGAN before 1835 in Johnston County, NC. These were my 3rd great grandparents. I wrote about them here.
• John STANCIL was born about 1805 in Cumberland County and died sometime after 1880 in Harnett County, NC.
• Alexander STANCIL was born about 1807 in Cumberland County and died in 1862 in Granville County, NC. He married Celia BARBER on 20 Jan 1835 in Johnston County, NC.
• Wealthy Jane STANCIL was born and died in Cumberland County, NC. I wrote about her notorious lifestyle here.

I've yet to find proof of who William's father is, but I speculate it may be William Stancil Jr. because he was in Cumberland during the 1770s. William and his brother Peter appear in Cumberland records starting about 1790. 

William and Edney lived in the part of Cumberland County that bordered with Johnston County (at the time) which is where most of their children settled.

Land Grant to William Stancil
July 1797 for 150 acres in
Cumberland County, NC

William was quite active in the Cumberland County real estate market at least between 1805 and 1816. Some of the transactions were between him and his brother-in-law, John Moore and others between William and his brother Peter. William also received several land grants in Cumberland County.

William must have died between 1820–1830 in Cumberland County because he does not appear on the 1830 census. It does not appear that a will or estate record survived. Edney Moore Stancil died sometime after 1850.

Delayed Birth Certificates: What a boon of information!

Not long into my research I discovered "delayed" birth certificates. Delayed birth certificates are still in play today (for children who are adopted, home births, etc), but back in the day they were often obtained by people born before North Carolina started requiring a formal certificate of birth in 1913. 

An official birth certificate is required to obtain a Social Security number.  President Roosevelt created the Social Security Act in 1935. It's morphed a great deal over the years, but eventually a number became required to get a job, a passport, and naturally to be able to obtain SSA benefits. 

These certificates offer a genealogist information that ordinary birth certificates do not. To obtain a delayed certificate, folks had to present THREE items of identification. Family Bibles were often presented, as were insurance policies and marriage licenses. Personal knowledge affidavits by friends or family members were also accepted.

These items are clues!  Clues that a family Bible exists, that a couple was married (in the event you can't find a marriage bond or license), and even clues to additional family members.

Here's my grandfather's delayed birth certificate:

You can see the awesome vital information offered here. Proof of parents, marriage, place of birth, and a life insurance policy. But the best piece of evidence here is the fact that a family Bible exists! 

Jesse's Aunt Sallie also applied for a delayed birth certificate:

From these two documents, I have proof of three generations of Stancils. I already knew a great deal about these folks, but if I hadn't...I do now!

I obtained these from Ancestry.com, but you can also request them from your local vital statistics office except they usually require you to jump through hoops. In North Carolina, you can more easily get them from the Register of Deeds.  

I like to take the path of least resistance, so I check online first and if I can't find it there I make a little trip over to my local ROD office. Good thing it's just down the road!

Farewill to Sin and Sorrow: The story of Wealthy Jane Stancil and William Avera

Wealthy Jane Stancil and William Avera were apparently quite a pair. Family word has it that Wealthy had at least 4 illegitimate children with William, who was single, so the question is:  Why didn't they marry? 

The families lived on adjoining farms and a family rumor has it that they could not marry since one of them had Indian blood. I've found no evidence of Indian blood on the Stancil side. I've also found no evidence that they lived together.

According to the Bastardy Bond of September 1842, William was required to pay $25 to help support the child for his first year and then $10 annually. There would be three additional bastardy bonds to follow.

Poor Wealthy was even criminally charged with having a bastard child and hauled before a couple of JPs to answer the charge. Early in the process, Wealthy refused to name the father, but eventually the law caught up with him and he was required to pay child support. 

The story takes a sweeter turn when I learned that Wealthy treasured a Free Will Baptist Hymn Book that her mother apparently bought in 1833. Wealthy's mother was Edney Moore Stancil, my 4th great grandmother. Notes in the book indicate that one of Wealthy's sons was George Robert Stancil. Wealthy wrote her name in the front of the hymnal in 1837.

We all have our reasons for doing the things we do  - like not marrying in spite of having 4 illegitimate children at a time in history when such a thing was so hurtfully impactful to everyone concerned. I'd love to know more of Wealthy's story.  

Johnston School News, Smithfield Herald, July 7, 1923

Smithfield Herald, July 7, 1923
Smithfield, NC

JOHNSTON SCHOOL NEWS

Mrs. Jesse Stancil and son, Roland, spent Saturday night in Smithfield with Mrs. Stancil's brother, Mr. Elmond Johnson.

Aside from the fact that it seems quite outmoded to report an overnight visit among family in a newspaper, I don't quite get the headline here, "Johnston School News'. I checked the North Carolina Gazetteer to see if "Johnston School" is a place or community in Johnston County, but it's not listed. Apparently not. 

Hmmm.

Still....it's nice to know - in April of 2014 - that my grandmother and uncle visited her brother for an overnight stay in the summer of 1923. 

Where else would you find that sort of information? It's fun to find interesting tidbits of info outside the normal channels of birth and death certificates. Love that!

National Register of Historic Places - An Overlooked Treasure!

I'm probably the last to realize this, but I've recently discovered the genealogical treasures held in the nomination forms for the National Register of Historic Places. Wow!  

I owe the folks on the Wake, Harnett, & Johnston County Genealogy Facebook page a huge THANK YOU for enlightening me! These forms are used to nominate properties for the National Register and golly gee do they contain some great stuff:

• History of the general area in the nomination
• Thorough description of the property including location, past owners, and the genealogy of those owners
• References such as census records, newspaper articles, survey maps, deeds, vital records and on and on and on
• Transcripts of live interviews with descendants
• Pictures of the building and property

As an example, the above form is nominating the Godfrey Stancil (my 1st cousin 7x removed) House and grounds in the Penny Hill area of Edgecombe County, NC. It provides a rich detailed history of Penny Hill, thorough description of the house and property, GOLDEN genealogical info on cuz'n Godfrey including all the references mentioned above (it's already sourced for you!). 

You can read or download the entire document here. 

You can find a complete list of nominated places in NC here - along with all the documentation and maps. HOW COOL!

I'm usually a day late and a dollar short, but at least this time I'm just late to the party. Have fun geeking out with the National Register of Historic Places!

The Five Williams

Stancil Family Crest

I try to remind myself how lucky I am to live in the area where my family has resided for over 366 years. That's over 9 generations. Wow!

But it gets really complicated when I'm trying to sort out the William Stancils of the world. There are SO MANY OF THEM!

For example, my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th great grandfathers are all named William Stancil.  And they all live within a four county radius of each other. 

My William Stancils are in addition to many many OTHER William Stancils from different branches of the same tree. There are literally hundreds of them in a four county area. Cumulatively, of course. Not all at the same time.

All were very talented farmers and land owners. One was a Patriot. At least two were slave holders. All fathered large families. Between them, they had 6 wives and 27 children who they really liked to name John, Godfrey, Peter, and of course...William. The same names, over and over. 

It is all very confusing to a simple gal like me.

A prolific bunch, they were!

The Forgotten War

1st Marine Division crossing Chinese lines in Korea

The Korean Conflict (war was never officially declared) is often referred to as “The Forgotten War” because of the lack of attention paid to it by history.

Carl Donald Stancil was 21 years old when the 2^nd Ordinance Battalion, 2^nd Marine Division boarded the USS Okagogan in San Diego bound for Inchon, Korea.  It was an experience which would almost kill him.

A series of severe cutbacks had been ordered by the Truman administration after WWII cutting the Marine Corps from about 300,000 to about 27,000. Much of the Marine's land and amphibious equipment had been sold off, scrapped, or given to the Army.  By the time of the Korean “conflict”, the Marines were hastily re-equipped with aging landing craft and other necessary equipment.  We were just barely equipped to participate in the Inchon invasion.

Daddy landed in Korea on September 21, 1950 and immediately participated in the capture and securing of Seoul. Between mid-October and mid-December 1950, he participated in battles at Womson, Hunquam, and the nightmare of them all…Chosin.

The Chosin Reservoir is a man-made lake in northeastern Korea. The terrain is mountainous and a severe cold front descending from Siberia dropped temps to 35 degrees below zero at night for weeks at a time. The Marines were on 100% alert, fighting 24/7 on very little sleep and frozen c-rations. Dad would tell stories of being unable to remove his boots in the cold because the leather would freeze and he would not be able to get them back on. He even told us that when he, umm…had to potty…it would freeze before it hit the ground. Of course, that’s not how a salty Marine would say it, but I’m sure you get the visual.

The 2^nd Marine Division was completely surrounded by the Chinese (who McArthur had earlier said would not be a bother…). Scant supplies were parachuted into the Marine camps. There was not enough food or clothing. The men had to stuff their boots with newspaper to prevent frost bite. Dad came home with frost bite on all 10 toes and several fingers, in spite of the newspaper.

Many Marines ate their frozen food by sticking it on their bayonet like a Popsicle, which gave them dysentery. Just what they needed…an upset tummy in 35 degrees below with the Chinese just itching to kill you while you attended to business.

Even with the misery and horror, there were a few amusing moments. Like when an air drop gifted the Marines with thousands of condoms (instead of food).  That got a laugh or two.

Humanity paid a terrible price at Chosen. After 13 days of relentless battle, 719 Marines were KIA, 192 were MIA, and 3508 were wounded. One of the wounded was my dad.

On April 23, 1951, a concussion grenade exploded and knocked him off a tank. Shrapnel sliced open his head from his right eyebrow to just behind his right ear.  His skull was fractured and his jaw lacerated.  

His family in Raleigh was notified by the American Red Cross that he had been wounded. He was evacuated to Yokusuka, Japan and then to San Francisco where he underwent a frontal craniotomy. Metal plates were placed in his head where he lost bone fragment. He was moved to Travis Air Force Base enroute to the US Naval Hospital at Bethesda where he remained hospitalized for 4 months.

Daddy was diagnosed with PTSD a year later after reporting nauseating headaches, dizziness and recurrent combat dreams to his physician.

He went on to serve another 24 years in the Marines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Service Medal for his service in Korea.

It is inconceivable to consider the misery and death that occurred during this “forgotten war”.

Long line of Baptist Preachers

Caraleigh Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC

I most surely come from a long line of Baptist preachers. Preachers of other sorts, too, if you know what I mean... 

My 1st cousin 7x removed (and seriously...born in 1795), John STANCIL, was a preacher. Just one of many colorful personalities in my family. 

Apparently, he was quite the rebel and liked to do things his own way. His adherence to a doctrine called Hell Redemptionist got him into a bit of trouble with the more conservative locals. That rascal.

The Hell Redemptionist doctrine later became known as the Universal doctrine which matured into today's Unitarian-Universal Church. Not a traditional church, but interesting.

Liberalist Magazine (1827) - love that title - called John a strong man of unblemished character and that he was a powerful preacher with very convincing arguments. That makes me proud, even if John is 7x removed.

Progress of Universalism in North and South Carolina 

Reprinted in Universalist Magazine 11 August 1827, from the contemporary newspaper The Liberalist (Wilmington, N. C.) 

      It is highly probable, that many of the Carolinians, so noted for their philanthropic and benevolent feelings, have, long prior to the preaching of the doctrine among them, believed in the final salvation of all men. But such has been the predominant influence of the preachers of the system of endless of misery, and so highly dangerous has it been to poularity, reputation and interest, to dissent from the prevailing doctrines of the day, that even those who believed the doctrines of the gospel, were more safe from the anathemas of the superstitious devotee, in the reputed character of Deist or Infidel, than they would have been in that of the Universalist. Hence it has happened, that borne down by public opinion and popular prejudice, Universalists have rather preferred to endure the stigma thus unjustly cast upon them, than to hazard the experiment of a public declaration of their real sentiments, and a vindication of them from reason and the word of God. The clergy in these states have nevertheless had the address and cunning to keep the people generally ignorant of all doctrines but their own, [and even those, they are incapable of explaining, and causing them to view a departure from those doctrines as treason against God and their own souls, and the inevitable cause of endless damnation. And such has been the power of this bigotted and ignorant race of beings, over the human mind, so completely have thet debarred any thing like investigation or inquiry, that even at this late period, there are thousands of parsons in these states, that have scarcely heard of a Universalist, and take it for granted, that every person, professing to believe the scriptures, professes also, in their belief in the notion of an interminable punishment. Yet, notwithstanding, there have been some better informedm who have ventured to thing for themselves, who have whispered their thoughts to others, and by which means the doctrine of Universal Salvation is found scattered here and there, as a "little leaven," which we trust will finally leaven the whole lump. 

      The first account I have been able to obtain of the preaching of the doctine in these parts is of a man by the name of John Stansel, of Johnstone county, N. C. some thirty years ago. Said an elderly Baptist minister, from whom I received this account:

Mr. Stansel had been a preacher in some other denomination, [Universalist Magazine editor's note: "As the copy of the Liberalist which we received was in this place impaired, we were obliged to supply what we throught was the sense."] but finally changed his sentiments and became a Universalist; or rather, what was called in those days, a Hell Redemptionist. I often conversed with him on the subject; heard him preach several times; and had one public controversy with him. I confess his arguments, many of them, were powerful; some of them almost staggered my faith; and still I think that there is much in the scriptures, that looks mightily like his doctrine. He was a strong man, well acquainted with the Bible, and a good preacher; and maintained, to the day of his death, an unblemished character. He died firm in the belief of the doctrine he had taught, and regretted only, that he could leave no one behind him, to follow up the work. 

From A Concise History of the Kehukee Baptist Association from its original rise down to 1803 by Lemuel Burkitt and Jesse Read:

Elders Burkrtt, Ross and Barnes, were appointed to attend the church at Flat Swamp, who were under difficulties respecting the doctrine of Universal Restoration, strenuously propagated amongst them by a certain John Stansill, and propose measures for their relief.

My 3rd cousin 3x removed on the Johnson side, William Ruffin COATS, was also a minister, but I don't know very much about him.

Then there's my awesome Uncle Earnie who pastors Friendship Baptist Church in Appomattox, Virginia. 

Many others in the family were lay preachers and highly active in their churches. If you haven't already, check out the "Family Churches" tab at the top! 

Working Girls

In celebration of National Women's History Month, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at what my female ancestors did for a living. 

I'll start with myself. I work for a software company. Yawn. But in past lives I've been a writer, editor, paralegal, department store detective, and skating rink DJ. I've also worked in a Waffle Shop, libraries, and a group home. 

My mother, Gladys ALLEN STANCIL, taught 6th grade special education at a time when teachers were not required to have college degrees. She loved it. She taught at Summersill Elementary School in Jacksonville, NC. She also worked in the accounting office at Sears, as a bank teller, in a Five and Dime, and the hardest job of all - homemaker and mother. My mom was a pretty smart gal.

My Aunt Lib (Grace Elizabeth ALLEN LEE) worked most of her life for the State of NC as a clerk. In her retirement years, she worked for Rex Hospital in Raleigh as a liaison between families and nurses/docs. 

My cousin Teresa is a Physician's Assistant.  Her sister Deborah works in a hospital. Both are very loving caring women, so no surprise they wound up in healthcare. Another cousin Donna is also a nurse. 

My maternal grandmother, Ethel DAVIS ALLEN, worked at Dix Hospital in Raleigh, NC for a time and at Caraleigh Cotton Mill, also in Raleigh.

My great aunts Meona DAVIS, Cora DAVIS FINCH, Ovie DAVIS LOWERY, and Mary DAVIS ALLEN all worked at Dix Hospital as well. They worked in the hospital laundry and on the wards. Dix was a state mental hospital. I'm sure they had stories to tell!

My great grand aunt Sallie STANCIL worked for a newspaper in Morehead City, NC.

My other great grand aunt Mamie ALLEN worked as a seamstress. She could sew like nobody's business.

I don't know that my paternal grandmother, Ada Lou JOHNSON STANCIL, worked outside the home. But I betcha she worked her fingers to the bone INside the home.

The same can be said for all the rest of my female ancestors. In general, both sides of my family were poor and extremely hardworking people. No one ever handed us anything. If hard work builds character, then my family has it in spades.