Wilmington Riot

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In 1898, white citizens of Wilmington NC organized a rebellion that became a riot, against what they believed were the negative effects of the city's Black population, and a local government of "carpetbaggers" who were supportive of them. This chapter of Wilmington history has been the focus of more attention in recent years, including a commission that was formed, which created an extensive history of it.

Several ancestors of Peyton Townes (and siblings) were among the white community leaders and members involved, although most are not named directly as instigators in most histories.

Most directly implicated was Walter L. Parsley, who was Peyton's Great Grand Uncle (brother of Oscar Parsley Jr.) He was a member of the "Secret Group of Nine" who organized it. His name was recently removed from a public elementary school in Wilmington because of his involvement. Oscar Parsley Jr. died two years before the riot, but in the past he had been an organizer of a local militia that had been instrumental in the riot.

The images and links below contain detailed histories.  

White rioters, armed, stand in front of the burned-down Black Wilmington newspaper "The Record" press building.

• Wikipedia – Link to full articlke on Wikipedia

Introduction to Wikipedia article

Walter Parsley

• Walter Linton Parsley

• Wilmington Race Riot Commission – Webpage and link to detailed report on 1898 Riot
• Walter Parsley – Newspaper article about renaming of Walter Parsley School
• Raleigh News and Observer – Extensive newspaper series about Wilmington race riot
• Zinn Article about Wilmington Riot – Zinn Project Page on Riot
• Anchor – Articles about Wilmington riots in Anchor history site
• Letter to President – Link to a letter to the President from Black woman about race riot
• Time magazine – Article on TIME website about riot
• Alternate View – Website with alternate view of the insurrection that attempts to justify it