The McDonald-Howe family can trace its lineage back to an Ibo chieftain in southern Nigeria, Africa. A descendant of Anthony Walker, Nada R. McDonald Cotton, wrote a narrative history of the family. (See File 22 of this collection.)

This collection contains documents that relate to Anthony Walker (d.1837) and Tenah Howe’s (d. 1852) children and their descendants. Tenah, a Tuscarora, was the ward of Colonel Robert Howe of Wilmington, NC. The Colonel considered Tenah and her children his heirs, and to perpetuate the family name, he made provisions for Anthony, Tenah and their descendants to be forever free when he died. The family was always to carry the name of Howe.

Anthony Walker was a builder and carpenter. He passed his knowledge and skills on to his sons—Anthony, Pompey, and Alfred. Anthony and his descendants became well known architects and builders. Being free people of color, they were able to purchase land and take an active role in community life. Many of Anthony and Tenah’s descendants went on to become outstanding educators.

Note written by Lana Donaldson Taylor.