The Simple Life

William and Martha were married in 1885. Fifteen years later they live at 109 Dock Street in the Wilmington Township of New Hanover County, North Carolina. Though little is known of their day-to-day activities, it seems that their lives are simple. William, now 31, earns his living as a laborer for the city. Martha, at 30, is at home raising her family. They are the parents of two daughters: Blanche, born in 1889, and Lillie, born in February 1900. Celia Carteret, Martha’s mother, also lives with the family.

The next ten years, from 1900 to 1910 appear to have been difficult ones. William, now a fish-packer, continues to work labor-intensive jobs. The couples’ second child, Lillie, passes away, as does another infant child. It is also likely that Blanche’s mother, Celia, has also passed away, since she no longer resides in the Wheeler home.

Still, their willingness to open their home to family continues. After Blanche, their only surviving child, marries Loyd Rogers, the couple moves into the Wheeler home at 415 Castle Street, in Wilmington, now Hanover County, North Carolina.