with
Love
february 2021
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CLAYTON
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
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06
A look at Johnston County’s first people
10
JCPS honors its Living Legends
14
Clayton bridge gets new name
16
Loveletters
[PUBLISHER] column
Keeping it simple — and loving it
RANDY CAPPS
randy@johnstonnow.com
Simple things can mean a great deal. As February dawns, we creep closer to a year of dealing with COVID-19. I’d like to believe that we’re on the back end of this ordeal, and with any luck, we’ll be able to confine this virus to the pages of history sooner rather than later. Until then, we press on. One way we do that is our family Super Bowl tradition. Shanna makes a
YOUR JNOW
smorgasbord of junk food treats — pizza cake, chili cheese dip, pigs in blankets and plenty of other gameday fare. We sit together and watch the game, and the commercials. We critique the halftime show, for better or worse, and we spend the night together in the living room, laughing and having fun. It’s probably the only football game Shanna watches from start to finish all year, and I know it’s the only one Ethan remotely cares about. But it’s a fun, easy way for us to connect as a family. Some people like having big parties or heading down to the bar, and that’s cool.
TEAM
Volume 5, Number 3
A Shandy Communications, LLC publication
Publisher Randy Capps
Personally, I’d much rather spend that time with the people who mean the most to me.
randy@johnstonnow.com
General Manager Shanna Capps
Creative Consultant Ethan Capps
shanna@johnstonnow.com
Advertising Manager Irene Brooks
irene@johnstonnow.com
Office Managers Katie Crowder
Terri Atkinson terri@johnstonnow.com.
katie@johnstonnow.com
919-980-5522 • www.johnstonnow.com • Facebook.com/JohnstonNow • 1300 W. Market Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 • hello@johnstonnow.com Johnston Now Magazine is a monthly publication of Shandy Communications, LLC for our Johnston County neighbors. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent by the publisher. Advertisers take sole responsibility for the validity of their advertisement. ©2021 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.
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WWW.SMITHFIELD-NC.COM [ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 5
An illustration of the death of John Lawson.
Johnston County’s First People By BENJAMIN SANDERFORD
They called themselves the Skarureh (“People of the Shirt”). Outsiders called them the Tuscarora. For hundreds of years, they cultivated the river valleys of the North Carolina coastal plain, growing
corn for food and hemp for clothing. Hence their name. The Tuscarora retained the hunting skills of their earliest ancestors, those who had crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia thousands of years before, but they had long since become sedentary. No
tepees for these people. Instead, they lived in longhouses covered with bark. Each one was roughly a hundred feet long, big enough to shelter an entire clan. These clans were led by “clan mothers” who selected the members of the tribal council, representatives from
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the Tuscarora nation’s three tribes who met to discuss policy. War was not common among the Tuscarora; they were not dominated by expansionist warlords. They much preferred to trade with their neighbors. Thus, when they encountered the English around 1670, the Tuscarora sought to establish commercial ties with them. The English were willing to trade, but many of them were dishonest in their dealings with the Tuscarora. The selling of whiskey to Tuscarora communities, a much more potent alcoholic drink than the rum that the “Indians” were used to, seems to have had an ulterior motive behind it. The explorer John Lawson had a generally favorable opinion of the Tuscarora, despite referring to them as “Savages,” praising his hosts for making sure that their white guests were “arm’d against Hunger and Thirst.” Lawson also had the presence of mind to acknowledge the injustice that the Tuscarora suffered from the newcomers. “We look upon them with Scorn and Disdain,” he commented, “and think them little better than Beasts in Humane Shape, though if well examined, we shall find that, for all our Religion and Education, we possess more Moral Deformities, and Evils than these Savages do.” The widespread cheating of the Tuscarora by the English angered Lawson, but that was not the worst form of interaction between the two peoples. Since 1670, slavers regularly kidnapped Tuscarora men, women and children. The practice only ceased after slave merchants and plantation owners discovered that Africans were “safer” to enslave because they were unfamiliar with the North American landscape. By 1710, the situation had become intolerable for many Tuscarora. Tribal leaders contacted the Pennsylvania government requesting that their people be allowed to live in Pennsylvania. They also asked the North Carolina government to provide a written guarantee of their good behavior. The Pennsylvanians refused and the North Carolinians ignored the Tuscarora petition. All efforts to resolve the crisis had failed. John Lawson died in 1711. In a bitter irony, he was killed by angry Tuscarora.
An illustration of the Tuscarora War.
Without his moderating influence, Chief Hancock, leader of the Tuscarora in the Neuse River basin, resolved on war. On Sept. 23, Hancock’s warbands launched coordinated attacks across east-central North Carolina, including the town of Bath. They killed some 130 men, women and children within three days, a substantial chunk of the colonial population. However, if Hancock thought this ruthless attack would convince the English to make concessions, he was very much mistaken. The Tuscarora War had just begun. After getting a draft bill for all men between 16 and 60 through the North Carolina legislature, Gov. Edward Hyde petitioned Virginia for military aid. The Virginians, however, demanded territorial concessions, so Hyde turned to South Carolina, whose government immediately sent an expeditionary force commanded by Col. John Barnwell. Barnwell had 30 white officers with him and 500 native tribesmen of the Waxhaw, Pee Dee and Yamasee nations, among others. Chief Tom Blunt of the Tuscarora in modern Bertie County, meanwhile, stayed neutral. After linking up with 50 North Carolina militiamen in January 1712, Barnwell attacked Hancock’s Tuscarora at Fort Narhontes, in present-day Greene County. The fort fell easily, the Tuscarora surrendered their prisoners and Barnwell withdrew back to South Carolina, but no one was satisfied. The North Carolina government wanted nothing short of total victory,
the South Carolina government wanted repayment, and the Tuscarora were angry that some of Barnwell’s officers had kept Tuscarora prisoners to be sold as slaves. The southern Tuscarora attacked North Carolina again that summer during a yellow fever epidemic that had already killed many colonists, including Hyde. Thomas Pollock, the new governor, once again requested aid from South Carolina. December saw the arrival of Col. James Moore with 33 white officers and nearly 1,000 Native American auxiliaries. Moore won the decisive battle at Nooherooka, not far from Fort Narhontes, on March 20-23, 1713. With hundreds of their warriors dead, Tuscarora resistance collapsed. The English recognized Tom Blunt as king of the Tuscarora after he captured Hancock and handed him over for trial and execution, but most of his people began migrating northward. In time, they would join the Iroquois Confederacy in New York and Canada. Even many who had pledged allegiance to King Blunt eventually left their ancestral homeland. Some joined the Lumbee. A few others moved to South Carolina after participating in a war against the Yamasee. With the Tuscarora scattered to the winds, English and Welsh settlers were free to migrate up the Neuse unimpeded. By 1746, they had reached the westernmost of the old Tuscarora lands. In that year, the region was organized as Johnston County. Benjamin Sanderford, a resident of Clayton, studied social science at UNC Greensboro. He can be reached at benwsanderford@gmail.com.
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Johnston County Public Schools honors 2020 Living Legends Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Public Schools named three former educators, Sandra Edwards, Shelly Marsh and Valerie Carpenter, as the 2020 Living Legend Award recipients. The Living Legend Award is presented to former Johnston County Public Schools educators who were dedicated to the children they taught and left a legacy of influential teaching styles. This year’s honorees were recognized at the December Johnston County Board
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From left, Sandra Edwards, Shelly Marsh and Valerie Carpenter.
of Education meeting. The combined careers of the Living Legend Award recipients spanned more than 100 years serving in Johnston County Public Schools. Sandra Edwards is a graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School, Peace College, East Carolina University and Campbell University. She served the students of Johnston County Public Schools for more than 35 years and continues to serve as a tutor. While at South Smithfield Elementary, Edwards was an integral part of the lives of peers and students. Perhaps most memorably as the End of Grade Princess, bringing positivity and encouragement to third, fourth and fifth grade students, a role that former students still recognize her for today.
“Having students recognize me as the EOG Princess makes me feel like a celebrity, but the shiny crown and musical wand are just material things,” said Edwards. “The students and teachers are the ones who put in the hard work each year, and I am simply the one to remind them to let their brain shine and show what they know.” Edwards’ community involvement includes Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Parent Advisory Committee and the Junior Women’s League. Shelley Marsh served Johnston County Public Schools in many roles in his 47-year career, from teacher to deputy superintendent. He is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University and East Carolina University. Marsh’s many honors
include being inducted into the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Athletic Directors Hall of Fame and the North Carolina High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. Mike Easley. He and his wife, Janis, have two daughters and two granddaughters. The Marsh family is active in their church where Marsh has served as a steward for many years. Marsh stated that his philosophy about education is that effective teachers contribute to the growth and development of every student physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, morally and spiritually. He believes that every student is gifted and can be a contributing member
of society and that the effective teacher inspires and motivates all students to reach their full potential. Valerie Carpenter is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and a founding member of the Clayton High School Alumni Association. Carpenter taught at Clayton High, and as the chair of the Foreign Language Department, she sponsored several trips abroad. As a dynamic member of the United Methodist Church, she continues to serve in many roles including several mission trips to Haiti. Carpenter was honored in 2003 as the Clayton Citizen of the Year. “I have been richly blessed for the 29 years I’ve lived, taught, grown, served and been served by the people of Johnston County,” said Carpenter.
[ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 11
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[ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 13
Clayton names trail bridge for former planning director Submitted by TOWN OF CLAYTON
CLAYTON — The Clayton Town Council honored former Clayton Planning Director James “Skip” Browder recently by adopting a resolution to rename what is known as the Steel Bridge along the Sam’s Branch Greenway the Skip Browder Bridge. Browder was Clayton planning director from 1993 through 2000 and again from 2003 until his retirement in 2010. In addition to helping guide the town’s
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growth, he was a champion of greenways through town, especially the Mountainsto-Sea Trail, which has become one of the town’s most lauded amenities. Mayor Jody McLeod presented Browder’s family members, Lisa Ferguson and Jason Browder, with a commemorative plaque of the resolution. He said, “I’m excited tonight because in this crazy, crazy year of 2020, it feels so good to be able to celebrate something so awesome. That’s exactly what we get to do as we honor Skip Browder. It’s been a long
time coming.” Browder served on county and state committees to make the Clayton portion of the greenway and MTS a reality. He also served as a member of the Town’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee until his death in 2017. In addition to his work in Clayton, Browder was a longtime member of the Johnston County Planning Board. The members of the county board made the recommendation to the town to name a portion of the greenway after Browder.
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[ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 15
Sharing love for a family W
hen considering writing my love letter, I was filled with complete gratitude. I am surrounded by great love and support in a way many people only imagine. Randy, you make all my dreams come true. In a world that can be scary and overwhelming, you are my sanctuary. You are my partner in every way, and I will continue to choose you every day for the rest of my life. I love you. Ethan, you are our greatest gift. I have watched you grow into an incredible man, and I’ve enjoyed every stage. You have overcome every adversity you’ve faced and still manage to be kind, loving and thoughtful. I am so proud to be your mother. I love you. Mom and Dad, you taught me
everything I know. It is because of your love, support and encouragement that I have this amazing life. You raised me to be kind over all else, work harder than anyone in the room and value time and experiences over
any material thing. I love you. To all those in my life that space won’t allow me to name, you know who you are. And, I love you. All my love, Shanna Capps
A little kindness goes a long way I ’d like to send a love letter to my best friend, Joel Morrison, who I met over seven years ago at Austin Manor. I was thinking suicidal thoughts and felt I lost my best friend. Which I had throughout the years — being home-bound. He stepped up to be my “Driving Ms. Moody,” listening post and
all-around caregiver and bodyguard (like Kevin Costner to Whitney). He could play the part in “Touched by an Angel” in a Della Reese reboot. Love, Mary Moody, alias Minnie Pearl
Love letters
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To the glue that holds it all together M
any years ago, when we moved away from my hometown, a tradition ended. Every Friday night, we always had dinner with a group of our friends. Not long after we left, one of those friends told Shanna that the group wasn’t getting together any more. “You were the glue,” she told my wife. “You held us all together.” It has been a little bit of a running joke ever since. But, like all good humor, it’s firmly based in truth. I’m probably the face of Johnston Now magazine. I’ve
been lucky enough to cover the ACC, two U.S. Opens, a Davis Cup tie and more high school games than I care to count. I’ve written some pretty good stuff over the years, and I’ve made a little bit of a name for myself. None of it would have happened without my wife. From her willingness to endure my wacky schedule in Shelby, to her cheerfully moving around the Carolinas with me and, most importantly, simply putting up with me for the last 21 years. This magazine was her idea. She planned it out, went out
and sold an idea to potential advertisers and talked people into believing that we weren’t some fly-by-night company planning to put out a lousy product. She went back to work for a while, when we were forced to change our plans for what was then known as the Four Oaks Journal. She cashed in her 401K, like I did, and made a bet on us being able to take the magazine county wide. She’s the brains behind this operation. She keeps the books, and she’s still the best media salesperson I’ve ever seen.
And even if none of that stuff were true, she’s an amazing mother. She’s also the best wife a guy could ask for. I’m a lucky guy, and I’m happy to be “stuck” with her. Love, Randy
[ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 17
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A note for the perfect partner Dear Jonathan, ’ve loved you almost as long as I’ve known you. There are things I’ve never doubted, in good times or bad, sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. You are my forever and always. You are my gift from God. You are my best friend. You are an incredible father, provider, husband and my own personal comedian. You make me laugh, even when I don’t want to. You take me just as I am, and I will be forever thankful for being blessed by your commitment to our life, love and family. Happy Valentines Day! Love, Rachel (Kennedy)
I
[ FEBRUARY 2021 ] | 19
A mother’s love for her sons knows no bounds T
o Braeyln and Rylen Blanchard, you are the great loves of my life. Today you are my little boys, but one day you will grow into young men. As you grow you will experience great love and loss. There will be times to celebrate and times to cry. Life is not about winning, but what you learn along the way. Never stop believing in yourself, you are capable of accomplishing anything you put your mind to. I will try to respect the decisions you make as they will be your own. But
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there will be times when you will have to understand that to me no matter how old you get you will always be my little boys. The day will come when I can no longer carry you in my arms, but you will always be carried in my heart. Always look to one another for love, understanding and support. I may not be here the rest of your days so you will need each other. But never forget I will love you for the rest of my days. Love Mommy (Kelly Blanchard)
An appreciation for a devoted husband T
his is my love letter to my husband. I moved to North Carolina from Ohio to finish graduate school but fell in love with a Southern gentleman so I decided to stay! I never thought I would end up here in Johnston County, but God has truly placed me where I am supposed to be. I admire Jordan more than he knows. He works about 50 to 60 hours every week in his full-time job, but also is finishing his MBA degree. He is the smartest and hardest working person I know (and also an amazing cook!). In his “free time,� he is also outside on the tractor working at our house. After working
in Raleigh for four years, we realized that there was a need for my specialty in our own community. Jordan played a vital role in helping me start my own practice on top of everything else in his life and even comes to help at the clinic on his days off from his full time job. This is just as much a love letter as it is a thank you card. I had been so independent for so long but, looking back, I see why God placed this man in my life. I am truly grateful and want to place him in the spotlight for once (even though he would be very embarrassed!). Love, Dr. Kathleen Coates
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Aww, we’re blushing I
lived in Wayne County all my life until August 2018. Then I moved to Johnston County. When I saw a magazine that would tell me all about Johnston County and it was FREE, I had to grab a copy. Now a little over two years later, I have to tell you, I’m in love with your magazine! I look forward to each new edition. From your magazine I have found: great places to eat, places to explore, all types of interesting shops and learned about people from all walks of life! The calendar included in each issue informs me of what is going on and when. I read it from cover to cover. This month has to be one of my favorites. I found out in this issue I could go back and read articles
l l a c o L e h t GO e v o L IN B Frr Space
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in past issues that I missed. And boy did I! I went back to 2015 and read and read! Unfortunately, I didn’t see the invitation to write a love letter until Jan. 8. One day after the deadline. But that’s OK. This letter is to the editor and his staff. I love your magazine! But when I read you are thinking virtual, I have to tell you I am extremely disappointed to say the least. Even though I did go back to 2015 and read them online, I like holding a magazine in my hands. I will be sorely disappointed if future issues are only online. Nevertheless, I do want to thank you for all the work you do to publish this magazine.
Love, a devoted reader, Betty Clarke. Editor’s note: While we are adding digital marketing services to help local businesses, we have no plans to stop producing a printed magazine. Thank you so much for the kind words.
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