Joseph Hinton was born in Edgecombe County in the mid 1800s. He met and married Clarissa (Classic) Hart who was of Indian descent. To this union seven children were born. They were Malissia, Ed, Octavia, Mary, Classic, Lee and Jeurshia Hinton.
Joseph lived in the rural area of Edgecombe County in Tarboro, North Carolina. He farmed and owned a two seats court (cab) service, which was a horse and buggy. The business was successful before the depression. During the depression of 1929, Joseph lost his business and farm. His brother, Harry, also lost his farm during this time. The depression was a difficult time for so many people. It was not just the poor people who suffered, but the wealthy as well. Joe and his brother, Harry Hinton, were strong men. Both of them survived and kept their family together.
Joseph’s wife, Clarissa, was a young lady at the time of her death. He did not remain a widower. He met and married Mary Frances Horn. To this union two children were born, Roberta and Mary Frances Hinton. Joseph and his wife, Mary Frances, were living in Edgecombe County between Pinetops and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. When his daughter, Mary Hinton Hill from his previous marriage died, he took care of his grandson, Lazard Hill until his heath fail. When Joseph became sick his daughter, Classic Hinton Harrison, took care of him until his death. Joseph out lived both of his wives. He died in Edgecombe County near Hickory View Church. According to Cleveland Hinton, the house that Joe Hinton died in still stood in 1995.
History By Word of Mouth
Classic Hinton Harrison, Cleveland Hinton and Roxie Hinton Lawrence told the following excerpts.
- According to Joseph Hinton’s daughter, Classic Hinton Harrison, his father was Ray Hart Hinton.
- Joseph Hinton’s brother was Bud Hart.
- According toClarissa (Classic) Hart Hinton’s daughter, Classic Hinton Harrison, her mother’s parents were Sylvia and Jacob Hart. She also said that her mother, Clarissa, and Mae Linda Battle’s mother were sisters.
- According to Cleveland Hinton, Mae Linda Ruffin Battle had two sisters and a brother. They were Junior, Carrie and Maggie Ruffin. Maggie Ruffin married a Baker and they had a son Jesse Baker, who owned the Baker’s Funeral Home in Tarboro, North Carolina.
- According to Roxie Hinton Lawrence, Mae Linda Battle’s maiden name was Joyner before she married Octavius Battle.
(Note:) Mae Linda Ruffin or Joyner was married to Octavius Battle. They did not have any children of their own. They raised the following children; Melvina,Sarah, Pearl, and Benjamin Joyner, Roxie Hinton Lawrence, Georgia Mae and Octavius (Oversee) Freeman. Mae Linda and Octavius Battle took in Edward who lived with them until they died. They enjoyed having children in their household.
The Ruffins and the Joyners children were first cousins to Malissia, Ed, Octavia, Mary, Classic, Lee and Jeurshia Hinton.
Please see the information on the previous page that Aunt Classic had given to Mary Lawrence before she died. There is more information that is needed to complete Joseph and Harry Hinton’s Genealogy. If you have any additional information please contact Mary Lawrence at (718) 639-1887, or anyone that is on the Executive Board.