Didn’t Take Long

Last month, I ordered microfilm of the newspaper from Kinston, NC (my father is from outside of Kinston). I ordered the microfilm b/c I have many, many relatives from the outskirts of Kinston, that while technically in a different county, still seem to be missing (well, obits anyway) from that county’s newspapers. So, I figured I’d look more closely at Kinston (Lenoir County).

Today, I went to the public library to scan some issues. Wouldn’t you know, the very first issue I scan has an obituary for a Koonce? (my name!). However, it is a white Koonce (of course, there are many white Koonce’s in the area) and to be honest, I have not really researched the white Koonce families in order to ascertain a connection to my Koonce family.

The lady in mention here is Carrie Heritage Koonce. She was 68 and her funeral was held on October 9, 1928. It does not mention when she died. She was the daughter of Dr. Heritage Blount. I did a search in Ancestry and find what appears to be her information – if it is correct, her husband was Bryan Koonce and her first name was Caroline. Unfortunately, there is no contact information for the person who submitted the gedcom. Hmm.. another search reveals a gedcom for Carrie’s father, but they do not have Carrie – but a brother listed. I think I’ll email them. I love the internet!

Here is Carrie and her family in the 1920 census. Her husband was still alive and it seems his first name started with an M, Bryan may have been his middle name? But they are listed with kids M.B., Lucille and John. Seems the family worked in a grocery store. The family also had two lodgers living with them.

I also see from searching the New Bern Obituary Index, that her obit also appeared in the Morning New Bernian newspaper as well. Cool.

UPDATE: It’s about 8 hours later and I think and am hopeful that I have some good leads. As a result of that email to the person I indicate above, I now know a lot more about Carrie’s family. Her husband appears to be from the Koonce’s of Jones’ County, NC. A search of the 1860 Slave Schedules shows that these Koonce’s owned a TON of slaves. And, they are clustered primarily in Jones County (one group in Onslow County).

Besides, I do know that there are also Black Koonce’s in Jones County today that we are supposedly related to somehow? So, I am hopeful. Over the next couple of months, I am making this my primary genealogy research goal. I plan to order Estate Records, Wills, etc and any original documents that I can get my hands on of the Koonce family of Jones county. Of note, (not that these names are uncommon), but the Carrie’s husband, Marrion – his father’s name was James and he had a sister named Caroline. My great-grandfather’s mother’s name was Caroline and her father’s name was James. Like I said – they are common names – but it gives me a little hope 🙂 I’m going to bed now – this search could keep me awake all night!