Purported Colonization

Dr. Joe Sutton

The actual point in time that Bucklesberry was opened to colonization has been bandied about for generations. Although an exact year is virtually impossible to ascertain, a November 6, 1924 news story nonetheless reported that colonization in Bucklesberry began in 1825. Reprinted here, the article appeared in the State's then-leading newspaper, The News and Observer of Raleigh:

"Bucklesberry Will Celebrate–Famous Section of Lenoir County Approaching its 100th Birthday–Kinston, Nov. 5–The Bucklesberry section near here will celebrate the centenary of its 'creation' next year. The district, one of the richest in a farming way in Lenoir County, is all but 100 years younger than the most of the universe. Much of the land was 'made' in the first reclamation project ever launched in this part of the country. As late as 1905, land in the neighborhood sold for as little as $12 to $20 an acre. The average farmer there would not part with his holdings for ten times $12 an acre now."

"Moseley Hall historians say John and Hardy Sutton of good old English stock opened Bucklesberry to colonization in 1825. Most of the land is still in the possession of the Suttons' descendants, however. Hundreds of Suttons are located in Moseley Hall Township. Bucklesberry is near La Grange, originally named Moseley Hall. The colonial hall from which the name was taken was the birthplace of William Moseley, first American governor of Florida, who moved to the peninsula in 1819 and became the State Executive when Florida was admitted to the union in the forties."

"Bucklesberry planters will celebrate the centenary by making crops larger than John and Hardy Sutton ever dreamed would be produced there, they say. No plans have been made for formal observances. Steps may be considered shortly, however. The Bucklesberry and Moseley Hall communities lead Lenoir county in the production of cotton, tobacco, and corn. Many fine plantations have not had their boundaries changed since their establishment 75 to 100 years ago."

This news story did not make front page headlines in the State's top news outlet, but it was a featured, page one story in a down east newspaper, The Morning New Bernian of New Bern. Although not as detailed, the brief article dated November 8, 1924 announced Bucklesberry's impending centennial anniversary:

"Bucklesberry Exercises–Kinston, Nov. 7–The Bucklesberry section near here will celebrate the centenary of its 'creation' next year. The district, one of the richest in a farming way in Lenoir County, is all but 100 years younger than most of the universe. Much of the land was made in the vast reclamation project ever launched in this part of the country."

Coverage of this story by multiple newspapers was tacit acknowledgment of Bucklesberry's prominence as a well regarded farm community. Unfortunately, these news pieces were written by staff reporters who had few research tools at the time for purposes of finding supportive documentary evidence. Other than a general reference to Moseley Hall historians (none named), The News and Observer article, in particular, failed to provide any proof for the claim that Bucklesberry was opened to colonization in 1825. 

Next month's article will focus on Bucklesberry as a pre-revolution settlement. Two previously published Bucklesberry articles that may be of interest to readers are "Playtime Places" (https://t.ly/qwAoI) and "School's Out" (https://t.ly/huxfC).