Toney & Nellie Estate

The Strayhorn Estate

Nellie and Toney Strayhorn were the first known African-Americans to settle in what is now Carrboro, NC. Both were born into slavery. They purchased approximately 30 acres in 1879. They built a log cabin and a small farm on Jones Ferry Road. They made a living by selling: milk, butter, seasonal fruits, and vegetables to residents within town.

Toney taught himself how to read and write and became a skilled brick mason and preacher of the Gospel. Toney died in 1934 at the age of 84. Nellie died in 1950 at the age of 100. They are buried side-by-side in the Black section of the “Old Chapel Hill Cemetery” on Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC. Their great-granddaughter Dolores Clark now owns the house and lives there today, along with some of her family. This house has been continuously inhabited by six generations of the Strayhorn family and descendants.

Nellie and Toney’s family gradually outgrew the cabin. The original cabin has been added over the years. The original log structure is now enclosed into the front living area of the existing house. The two fireplaces that were original to the house were unstable and have been replaced new slabs were poured under the new chimneys to stabilize the new fireplaces and foundation

The Town of Carrboro has taken an active role in helping the family preserve the structure. Some exterior siding has been replaced, some windows have been replaced, and attempts have continued to be made to keep the structure as intact as possible while still using it as a historical family dwelling. Some electrical upgrades have been made also with help from the Town of Carrboro.