The Legend of Council Wooten - Carolina Country
Feature Story
September 2013

The Legend of Council Wooten

Lenoir County Notable

By Chris McAllister

The Legend of Council Wooten
A portrait of Council Wooten about the time he served in the state legislature. They said of him, “If he did not like a law, he would run for office and change it.” (Courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History)

Adorning North Carolina's halls of history are portraits of many well-known North Carolinians. Even though Council Wooten is not one of them, he made his mark on state government and did become a legend in his native Lenoir County.

Council Wooten (1804–1872) was the son of John Wooten, who began selling hats in Pitt County then expanded into Greene, Lenoir and Wayne counties. He would sell hats at monthly courting time, when a circuit judge would arrive to hear cases. Known for his "good judgment, thrift and economy," the elder Wooten managed to acquire 800 acres in Lenoir County where he established a plantation. The story is that John Wooten swapped his own undesirable land for 200 acres of rich swampland and 600 acres of upland owned by a man named Creel. Creel was in legal trouble over his land and was uncertain of his title to it. Wooten researched the title, found it fine, and convinced Creel to swap properties. The plantation, about five miles west of La Grange, raised corn and hogs and grew in size, making Wooten prosperous.

The elder Wooten served a spell in the North Carolina House of Commons, and his son Council followed, serving in the General Assembly in 1829–1832, 1835 and 1848. He also served on the Council of State with Thomas Bragg during the antebellum period and with John W. Ellis in 1861.

Council Wooten was known as a renegade of sorts. Lenoir County legend says he petitioned the General Assembly to grant free black men the vote, maybe to gain himself more votes. Although state law made it illegal, he and his wife, Eliza, taught their 500 or so slaves to read and write, using the King James Bible. He required that all his slaves be clothed well, and every winter he gave each family a fully dressed hog.

Wooten valued education, schooling himself and his 12 children. He founded a private school near his plantation and hired Yale University graduate Joseph Elliotte to run it. The Wooten School was open to neighborhood children and was always full. It closed after Preston Wooley opened a school in La Grange.

A personal friend of governors John Ellis, Thomas Bragg and Zebulon Vance, Wooten regularly entertained the high and mighty at his plantation. Before the war, he was one of the executive directors of the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad Company.

Joyner-portrait

An 1880 portrait of Wooten's grandson James Yadkin Joyner. Joyner's father and mother (Wooten's daughter) moved to Yadkin College to escape the effects of Civil War near home in Lenoir County. Young Joyner was orphaned at 2 and raised by his grandfather. He became a leading educator in the state. (Special Collections, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University)

During the Civil War in spring 1862, the Wootens and neighboring Joyners abandoned their plantations, relocating, it is believed, near Wilson. After the war, Wooten returned to reclaim part of the plantation. By that time, says Gary Fields, president of the La Grange Historical Society, "The Wooten plantation was shot up and virtually destroyed. The Wootens continued to farm what was left of the plantation and apparently brought it back to life."

Both Council and his son Council Simmons were friends with President Jefferson Davis and served in his Confederacy administration, perhaps in a financial capacity. After the war they were stripped of their citizenship and had to reapply. Gov. William W. Holden, writing on behalf of Wooten to R.J. Powell, agent for North Carolina, said on Sept. 26, 1865, "His exemplary conduct as a loyal citizen of the United States government, his universal liberality to the poor in his section, are attested by them, during and since the rebellion and the unanimous recommendation of his people, including all conditions of Society and every shade of political opinion, are appeals in his favor not to be disregarded." President Andrew Johnson pardoned Wooten three days later.

During the last 10 years of his life, Council Wooten worked at raising his grandson, James Yadkin Joyner, future Superintendent of Public Instruction (1902–1919) and namesake of East Carolina University's Joyner Library.

About the Author

Chris McAllister teaches history in the Lenoir County public schools and at Wayne Community College. His book on La Grange history is due out this winter.

Comments (33)

  • Chris is such an outstanding educator who is passionate about teaching and learning. I find the subject of his article to be such an inspiration to those who fight for human and civil rights for all mankind. The story of Council Wooten’s life depicts true entrepreneurship at its best. The writing of this article is very timely in lieu of the current controversy over voter rights. The writer and the subject of the article represent the true essence of how we should value education in our state and society. Just imagine all the wonderful and creative teachings Chris could do to engage our students if the North Carolina leadership would make education a priority. Great Job Chris!

    Maxine Cooper |
    September 17, 2013 |
    reply

  • Is there access to a family bible or names of folks involuntarily held by Council Wooten?

    Jennifer Cotton |
    March 26, 2017 |
    reply

  • Council Wooten, a deacon at the Bear Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Woodington (South of Kinston) left the church and took the church records with him. The church was founded about 1752. Genealogists need the records. Location unknown.

    William Griffith |
    May 11, 2017 |
    reply

  • I’m also born a Wooten great-grandfather was Dempsey Wooten my grandfather was named after his father my father was named Earl Wooten his date of birth was November 2, 1920 I’m black ive notice that our white side of the family make phone calls asking can they add my family to the family tree my answer was yes all I know is my great grand father was white most of my siblings carry does same traits I know many of my white cousins I don’t understand why my father would often sat us down I rank number ten out of eleven children I often would say apart from my siblings in the floor while my mother is cooking in the kitchen while my father tell my siblings myself about where we come from his mother was deseased when my father Earl Wooten was ten years old I asked many questions being a young child when I asked my father did he remember his mother name which is y grandmother he would always say yes I asked what was her name he said her name was Genie Mae not giving her maiden name not sure if my grand father ever married here it’s not clear I ask my father where he come from he would say the Isle not telling much he would tell all his children don’t go there looking for nothing he would often say to me especially you what could have happened there that sound so horrible to me that he don’t want me to find out many of our white family members attended family reunions when I was younger

    Loretta Lynn Wooten |
    February 27, 2018 |
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    • So glad that Wootens seek to include you in their family, after all, you are family and I am so proud that all of them recognize that. It also makes me feel good that they possess the same dignity and compassion to humanity that my family and myself has!

      Gardner W Wooten |
      October 02, 2019 |
      reply

    • I just traced my family directly to him

      Jennifer wooten |
      May 19, 2023 |
      reply

      • Paternal Grandma
        Tessie Mae Wooten. Her parents Genieve and John Wooten.

        Jennifer Cotton |
        June 03, 2023 |
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      • William jeptha wooten is also my kin and I'm trying to research more

        Jennifer wooten |
        June 07, 2023 |
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        • My grandmother was a Wooten from Lagrange. It use to be called moss hill . I would love to talk to you to see if we’re kin

          Wayne Kelly |
          June 13, 2023 |
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          • My grandmother too was a Wooten, daughter of Isaac and Ada Wooten from LaGrange. Wondering if we are related!

            Roxanne Scott |
            July 06, 2023 |
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  • I have found out this year that my Great Grandparents were Amos Monroe and Amanda Millicent Wooten. We are still in the process of trying to figure out which of the 8 son's father my Dad. We have been able to eliminate 4. I would so much love to hear stories and learn about my family.

    Melinda Redshaw |
    July 19, 2018 |
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  • We have figured out that my fathers Dad was Louis Ernest Wooten. I have reached out to numerous family members on this side. They were very cordial in chatting back and forth UNTIL it was determined that Louis fathered my Dad. Since then all my correspondence to them remains unanswered. I have nothing to gain and they have nothing to lose. We have a great family. Too bad they will miss out on knowing any of us.

    Melinda Redshaw |
    October 04, 2019 |
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    • Email me. All i can say is that i believe we are related based on some info my grandmother Ada told me before she died.

      Chais wooten |
      February 06, 2022 |
      reply

      • Hey, just seen this. Interested in the story your grandmother told you.

        Melinda |
        June 03, 2023 |
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  • I agree, what a shame! Blood is blood and family is the best. People can be a little strange in regards to family and I guess I am lucky that mine see the person for who they are. My mother's family has a mixed lady that attends all their functions. She was fathered by one of my mother's relatives and people kept it a secret for many years, because he was married. Once he and his wife passed away, the word got out and she has been welcomed with open arms.

    Gardner W Wooten |
    October 05, 2019 |
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    • Thank you for your response. I don't care for myself but my Dad is 94 and has never known he was even part of this family. He had no father figure in his life. The shame is that he has a 94 year old cousin on this Wooten side and I think it would be nice if he could meet him. We were scared to tell Dad of his Wooten heritage but I did so this past Saturday and he took it in stride and stated he was happy he knew. I am sure he would be upset to know they are offended by it. Not sure why in this day and age anyone would be embarrassed or upset over something that happened in 1925. Again, thank you for your response.

      Melinda Redshaw |
      October 07, 2019 |
      reply

  • So unfortunately I can only seem to go as far back as my great grandmother who I had the privledge of being around. Her name is Tessie Mae Wooten. She was born in LaGrange. Many of my family now are in that area and Kinston NC. From what I have pieced together is that one of her parents were Native American and my grandfather was produxed from an affair with a married man by the ame of Grady...so her maoden name Wooten were passes down to my grandfather Theodore Wooten...who died young as my paternal grandmother Mary took his life.
    I always see Wootens here and always wonder how we are all connected melanated or white...i see there is a construction company ...i find it hard to believe we all are not related.

    Jennifer Wooten |
    October 07, 2019 |
    reply

    • My great grandfather was Louis Earnest Wooten, he founded the LE Wooten Engineering firm in Raleigh. He designed Carter Finley Stadium at NC State. There is also a large Wooten Law Firm that was started by the Wooten's that are part of my family line. My Wooten side is from Edgecombe county and originated in Virginia. I don't know if there is any mixed family member but I would presume so as much to my disappointment they did have slaves. I can trace my line back to Hodges Council in 1643, daughter Lucy married Richard Wooten.

      Melinda Redshaw |
      October 07, 2019 |
      reply

    • I'm Jennifer Wooten also

      Jennifer wooten |
      May 19, 2023 |
      reply

  • Wow nice article I think I'm related to him...got a Wooten line from Pitt with a Council but may be a cousin years off a bit. I havent seen this info in trees yet or pics, thanks! Mine ended up in Sampson close to Robeson Co. Lots of dna cousin matches with bi/tri racial heritage from the area but many trees dont reflect that reality. If you have deep roots in the area and heard of native heritage theres many communties there, Lumbee is the largest by far in Robeson with other satellite communities. Sampson/Harnett/Wayne is home of the Coharie, Tuscarora and Neusiok origins. Theres some wild stories of the area, like of the Lowery gang, a group of black, white, and Indian outlaws who stole from the rich and gave back to the poor. In more modern times theres stories about the Indians who caught wind of the k.k.k. coming and ambushed them. I didnt grow up in the area so I didnt hear these stories but the area has such a rich history.

    I'm starting to believe all the old families are connected, if you do dna you'll see what I mean!

    Cannon/Wooten |
    September 03, 2020 |
    reply

  • Interesting. My grandmother’s maiden name is Wooten. Her grandparents are from North Carolina. She was of mixed black and white descent and was a slave. I have a picture of her and she closely resembles the man in the picture. The eyes, big ears, and the bridge of the nose are all the same. I’m sure there is a relation there. This is so crazy.

    Tenneia Mincey |
    September 08, 2020 |
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    • My Patetnal great Grandmother is a Wooten..from NC
      Tessie Mae Wooten

      Jennifer Cotton |
      September 09, 2020 |
      reply

  • my 5th great grandfather was handed down to council wooten in his fathers will with all of his land in Lenoir. William Hardy Wooten. his son Peter stayed with the family after enumeration. he was later buried at the Wooten family cemetery, these even a news article about it. Id love to learn more about William Hardy if anyone knows anything itd be amazing!!

    Britney Gonzalez |
    August 25, 2021 |
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  • I wish to know more about everyone who has a connection or historical document to this plantation. My father is David K. Wooten, his father was Earnest Wooten who married Ada Randall. Earnest’s father was a man named John henry Wooten ,who married twice, one of his wives’ names was Flora Waits.

    Chais wooten |
    February 06, 2022 |
    reply

  • Mygreat great grand father name was baker wooden or Wooten he was born in north Caroline in 1835 or 1837 I don’t know what city I can’t find anything about him living there no family I found he married in dc in 1865

    Deanna e bailey |
    April 05, 2022 |
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  • Hey Chris, Andrew here just giving you a brief heads up on some things. Wooten did not own nearly "500 or so" enslaved peoples. Census data gives the numbers and in 1860 he had 133. I also wish to know your sources for these claims, "Although state law made it illegal, he and his wife, Eliza, taught their 500 or so slaves to read and write, using the King James Bible. He required that all his slaves be clothed well, and every winter he gave each family a fully dressed hog." I am not denying this could have happened it did, but with the Lost Cause post-war narrative, it is vital that evidence like these are set in stone, and not simply stories passed down through the family. I know you did your research, and I am just asking for some extra sources, considering I am working on my own history of the La Grange area.

    Thanks as always, you've been a great help
    -Andrew Boldt

    Andrew Boldt |
    May 05, 2022 |
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    • I believe there were a lot of secrets so therefore we have to depend on what are ancestors tell us. Clearly there were outside /inappropriate and non consensual sexual activity as evidenced by biracial family members with no birth certificates and)or other legal paperwork. It may not be pretty but I believe my ancestors truth.

      Jennifer Cotton |
      June 03, 2023 |
      reply

    • Your comments are interesting. I heard the story of Council Wooten all my life.. he was my Great great grandfather . I recently visited the cemetary outside of La Grange . I would like to assist any descendants who are making efforts to protect and preserve the grave markers and area around the cemetery . Please pass along any information you might have of local descendant groups .

      Elizabeth Miller Vellines |
      November 03, 2023 |
      reply

  • I was always told that Greenville NC is where my (Wooten) name originated. Does anyone have a Wooten family tree going back to Council Wooten or before? I'm not surprised to learn that entrepreneurship and education has always been in the Wooten bloodline.

    Clarence Wooten |
    June 09, 2023 |
    reply

  • The only problem I see is the 5 miles west of La Grange statement which would put the plantation over the county line into present day Wayne county and also on the west side of Bear creek because it runs entirely in Lenoir county until it empties into Neuse river. Wasn't the plantation in LaGrange, North Carolina, in Lenoir County?

    His father JOHN WOOTEN remained on his plantation in the northwest
    corner of Lenoir County when his father moved to Columbus County.

    COUNCIL WOOTEN inherited the home place of his father and lived there for the rest of
    his life, building himself a new house on the home plantation to take the
    place of the one burned by the Yankees during the War.

    Scott |
    June 16, 2023 |
    reply

  • Richard Wooten II (1638-1730) Isle of Wight, VA; married Lucy Council (1674-1735) daughter of Hodges Council (1647-1726) and Lucy Hardy (1641-1699). Hodges Council was born Isle of Wight in England. Hodges mother was Elizabeth Drake, a great niece of Sir Francis Drake.

    William Griffith |
    June 20, 2023 |
    reply

  • I am a descendent of the Council Simmons Wooten family . Council Simmons Wooten, my great grandfather, was born about 1840 on the plantation near La Grange NC . His parents were Council and Eliza Wooten. Council S Wooten had one daughter who survived , my grandmother, Eliza Wooten Southerland who lived in Mt Olive, NC. My mother, Cora Eliza Southerland Miller was one of Councils four grandchildren.
    I have an original copy of the genealogy
    chart researched around 1947 . I am the last person recorded with a birthdate of 1946.
    Recently, I visited the Council Wooten Family cemetery outside of La Grange. I am told there is another Wooten family cemetary nearby . The Council Wooten Family cemetery has graves from the mid 1800’s… both cemeteries are located in farm fields on land that once belonged to the Wooten family. The Council Wooten family burial ground is in disrepair, where trees have fallen on tombstones and the fencing around it. Someone has cut down weeds , so that the grave markers are still visible. If there are Wooten family descendants who are trying to preserve this cemetery and the beautiful gravestones that need cleaning and preservation, Please contact me. Betty Vellines , Staunton , Va .

    Elizabeth Miller Vellines |
    November 03, 2023 |
    reply

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