First Family - Edwin Wiggs and Serena Carter

After the Civil War ended, former Slave Marriages were legally recognized. For Edwin Wiggs and Serena Cater, their union was recognized as being on 11 August 1866 in Wayne County. Noted in the 1870 Census, Edwin was able to read and write and had a personal wealth of $200.00. Of their union, eight children were born. Their names and brief comments are noted below.

Calvin Wiggs: Born a slave in 1850. According to the 1870 Census, Calvin Wiggs had married a woman named Vianna, last name unknown in Dec, 1869. Also noted Edwin Wiggs was listed on page #19, Calvin Wiggs, page #20 (Attachment E) and Lewis Wiggs, on page #21 in Pikeville, NC. Basically, they lived only a few miles from each other. By 1880, Calvin Wiggs had moved to Fair Bluff, NC. In the 1880 Census, Calvin and Vianna had two children, a daughter named Lou, age 10 and a son named Joseph, age 3. By 1900, Calvin had moved again, this time to Coahoma, MS. Their daughter Lou was not living with them at that time, and no other information has been found about her. By 1910, Calvin was sill living in Clarksdale MS, but is noted in the 1910 Census report that he has remarried to a woman named Callie. Joseph being about 32 years old at that time was no longer listed in the household. Calvin Wiggs was not listed in the 1920 or 1930 Census reports. He did however resurface in the 1940 Census report living in Chicago, IL at the age of 90. When or wherever he passed is unknown.

David W. Wiggs: Born a slave in 1852. Other than the 1870 Census, not much more could be found as to what happened to him. There was however a mention that he may have married a Hannah Hadey, but this information could not be confirmed.

Chole Wiggs: Born a slave in March, 1854. Chole was married to Alfred Exum on 19 December, 1872 in Wayne County NC. Alfred and Chole conued to live in Wayne County NC and had eight children.

Joseph E. Wiggs: Born a slave in 1856. Joseph E. Wiggs married an Emma Blackman on 2 September 1880 in Wayne County NC. Of this union, no children were born. Joseph E., however has the distinction of being the family's first recognized Clergyman as noted in the 1900 Census.

Allen F. Wiggs: Born a slave in 1858. Allen F. Wiggs was noted in the 1880 Census as living and farming on his own. In November of 1880, he married a Georgina Hamilton in Wayne County NC. Additional information could not be found on either Allen or his wife Georgina after their marriage.

Henry O. Wiggs: Born a slave on 11 October 1859. Henry O. Wiggs married Rhoda Warren on 8 February 1883 in Wayne County NC. Henry and Rhoda had eleven children, most of which were born in Wayne County. Sometime between 1900 and 1904, they had moved to Johnston County NC. In 1905, Wiggs Chapel was founded by Henry O. Wiggs.

Doc Dallas Wiggs: The last to be born a slave during the Civil War on 20 December 1862. The Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves was issued on January 1, 1863. Doc Dallas Wiggs married Lucinda Sherwood on 29 December 1886 in Wayne County NC. Doc and Lucinda had ten children.

Dellah Wiggs: Born free during the Civil War in 1864. Dellah Wiggs married a Levi Ruffin on 24 January 1882 in Wayne County NC. No other information has been found regarding this union.

Polly Wiggs: Born just after the Civil War on 6 June 1866. Polly Wiggs married a Joe McDaniels on 21 February 1884 in Wayne County. No other information has been found regarding this union.

From the above individuals, sprang the Wiggs lineage to where it is today. To know of it serves as a reminder of who we are today, based on our beginnings. With this, we should remember our past, lest we forget.

Clarence C. Hucks: son of Fred and Novesta Wiggs Hucks, Grandson of Calvin Leroy Wiggs and Estelle Mclaurin Wiggs, Great Grandson of Henry O. Wiggs and Rhoda Warren Wiggs, Great, Great Grandson of Edwin Wiggs and Serena Carter and Great, Great, Great Grandson of Lewis Wiggs.