Slave Narratives

Federal Writers’ Project. WPA Slave Narratives. Web. 2007-2024. The WPA Slave Narratives must be used with care. There is, of course, the problem of confusion in memory resulting from (73+ years) of the participants. In addition, inexperienced interviewers sometimes pursued question lines related to their own interests and perspectives and attempted to capture the colloquialism of the informant’s speech. The interviews provide fascinating insight and surprisingly candid information, however.

Slave Narrative of Scott Martin

Scott Martin, a 90-year-old former slave from Sumner County, Tennessee, recounts his life under Dr. Madison and Mary Martin. He worked in both stock and house roles and reflects on his experiences voting, attending church, and community events. Martin notes a decline in youth behavior compared to earlier times, and while he witnessed segregation, he accepted some aspects of it. After emancipation, he chose to stay with his master until his death. Now, he relies on welfare and shares fond memories of songs and traditions.

Slave Narrative of Ellis Ken Kannon

Ellis Ken Kannon, born into slavery in Tennessee, shares his experiences and reflections on life as a slave. He recalls the kindness of his mistress, the hardships endured, and the practices of his family in maintaining some semblance of dignity. Kannon mentions superstitions among slaves, their labor after emancipation, and the disappointment of not receiving promised land or provisions. He notes the contrasting attitudes of younger generations and expresses gratitude for the treatment he received from white people in his post-slavery life.

Slave Narrative of Emma Grisham

Emma Grisham, born in Nashville, recalls her childhood during slavery and the Civil War. Her father was sold before her birth, and she had limited memories of slavery, mostly focusing on her life as a child playing with white children. After the war, she experienced freedom without understanding its significance. Emma married George Grisham and has since raised her daughter, who teaches at Fisk. Despite economic changes, she emphasizes the importance of family and shares cultural memories, reflecting on the differences in contemporary society.

Slave Narrative of Jenny Greer

Jenny Greer, an 84-year-old former enslaved person from Florence, Alabama, was born on the Collier plantation. She recalls her family, including her parents Nelson and Jane Collier, and emphasizes that they were never sold or divided. Married once to Neeley Greer, she expresses relief at not having children. Greer fondly remembers church gatherings and camp meetings, though she feels that freedom brought little support to her community. Living now in Nashville with her niece and sister, she reflects on her life primarily focused on work in white households since emancipation.

Slave Narrative of Precilla Gray

Precilla Gray, born in Williamson County, Tennessee, recounts her life as an enslaved person and her experiences post-emancipation. At 107 years old, she reflects on her long life, characterized by hard work, resilience, and limited schooling. She describes her relationships with various masters, her roles in domestic and field labor, and the challenges of raising her children. Although she faced hardships, including whippings and the threat of violence, she also experienced community events and religious gatherings, shaping her identity as a freed woman.

Slave Narrative of Frankie Goole

Frankie Goole, an 84-year-old former slave from Nashville, recounts his life born into slavery and the harsh realities he faced. Separated from his mother at six weeks, he was raised by his mistress, who was kind to him, though her son often abused him. He recalls traumatic experiences with the Ku Klux Klan and his difficult labor conditions. After emancipation, he reconnected with his mother, Lucindia. Now reflecting on his life, he expresses disappointment in younger generations and a longing for past communal faith and traditions.

Slave Narrative of Narcissus Young

Narcissus Young, a 96-year-old former slave from Nashville, Tennessee, recounts his early life under Isham and Martha Lamb. After losing his mother at three, he was raised in their household, taught skills like sewing and cooking, and attended church segregated for slaves. Despite hardships, Young received ample food and care. He recalls a harsh punishment for lying and expresses disapproval of interracial relationships. After emancipation, he remained on the plantation for years before moving to Nashville, where he worked various domestic jobs. Young now struggles with aging but receives Social Security assistance.

Slave Narrative of Rachel Gaines

Rachel Gaines, an African American woman aged approximately 95-100, recalls her experiences as a slave in Nashville, Tennessee. She was sold only once to Dr. Bainbridge Dickerson and describes a relatively kind treatment, where she earned $35 a year and received necessities. Gaines reminisces about festive gatherings, dances, and vibrant community life, contrasting it with present hardships. She reflects on superstitions and the transition from slavery to her later life of domestic work until losing her sight, ultimately moving in with her daughter in Nashville.

Slave Narrative of Sylvia Watkins

Sylvia Watkins, a 91-year-old former slave from Nashville, Tennessee, recounts her life experiences during and after slavery. Born in Bedford County, she reflects on family separations, hardships, and the limited leisure time available to enslaved people. She describes her upbringing under the care of Emily Hatchet and her experiences of working in the fields, weaving clothes, and making small joys from her circumstances. Sylvia discusses her marriages, raising a child, and her views on race relations, revealing the persistent struggles faced by ex-slaves in their search for stability.

Slave Narrative of Robert Falls

Robert Falls, born December 14, 1840, in Claiborne County, North Carolina, recounts his life as a slave under the harsh conditions of the Goforth family. He describes the severe treatment that he and his mother endured, the struggles for food, and the brutality of overseers. After the Civil War, Falls experienced the transition to freedom, facing uncertainty but eventually finding work. Living with his daughter in Knoxville, Falls reflects on his past with humor and a desire for understanding, emphasizing the need for support in his old age.

Slave Narrative of Dan Thomas

Dan Thomas, born into slavery in 1847 in Memphis, Tennessee, recounts a life marked by relative kindness from his owners, Deacon Allays and his wife. Orphaned early, he was raised by the family’s cook and worked various jobs, including in a whiskey house and as a bartender. After the Civil War, he faced challenges finding work and now sustains himself by collecting and selling discarded items. Thomas reflects on past experiences, including witnessing historical figures and expressing concern over contemporary societal changes.

Slave Narrative of Cecelia Chappel

Cecelia Chappel, at 102 years old, recalls her life as a slave in Marshall County, Tennessee. She was raised under the Lords, who provided adequate food and clothing but enforced strict discipline. Although she learned skills like sewing and weaving, education was prohibited for enslaved people. After emancipation, she faced challenges in adjusting to freedom and has worked in various roles since. Chappel reflects on community, family, and her hardships, emphasizing her faith, memories of slavery, and the ongoing struggle for sustenance in her later years.

Slave Narrative of Aunt Mollie Moss

Aunt Mollie Moss, aged 82-83, resides with her husband, Uncle Andrew, in a modest home in Knoxville, Tennessee. During an interview, she recounts her experiences as a slave on Billy Cain’s farm in Campbell County. Mollie shares memories of the Civil War, her marriage to Andrew, and the challenges of their life post-emancipation. She reflects on her upbringing, the harsh realities of slavery, and her pride in her cooking skills. Despite her age, her memories are vivid, though occasionally disjointed.

Slave Narrative of Julia Casey

Julia Casey, a former slave born in West Tennessee, recounts her life experiences. At six, the Civil War began, and her family was given to Miss Jennie McCullough as a wedding gift. Julia describes her mistress as kind and recalls having sufficient food and clothing. After the war, Julia lost many family members, including her mother. Despite lacking formal education, she learned life skills. Now, she struggles with health issues and relies on relief for support, hoping for an old-age pension.

Slave Narrative of Rev. John Moore

Rev. John Moore, born in Georgia to a half-Indian mother and a slave father, recalls his life under slavery. He describes the difficulties slaves faced, including the need for passes to visit family and the risks of punishment. Moore recounts the underground railroad’s role in helping slaves escape to Canada. After emancipation, he worked for minimal wages and food. He notes the influence of the Ku Klux Klan and expresses concern about younger generations’ attitudes towards race and identity.

Slave Narrative of Ann Matthews

Ann Matthews, born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recounts her life as a former slave. She recalls her parents, the harsh realities of freedom, and her experiences living alone with her siblings after her father’s departure. Matthews shares memories of the Civil War, encounters with soldiers, and the Ku Klux Klan. Despite her struggles, she notes her resilience, working for various families and raising children. She reflects on the cultural practices of her community, including singing and religious gatherings, while expressing skepticism about societal changes and the younger generation.

Slave Narrative of Andrew Moss

Andrew Moss, born in 1852 in Georgia, reflects on his life as a former slave during an interview in Knoxville, Tennessee. He nostalgically remembers the prayer grounds where enslaved individuals sought solace and liberation. Moss recounts experiences of hardship during the Civil War, detailing the scarcity of food and the presence of Union soldiers. He describes life under his master, George Hopper, and his family’s tumultuous history. Now in his old age, Moss expresses a mix of sorrow for lost times and hope for a peaceful reunion with loved ones in the afterlife.

Slave Narrative of Wiley Childress

Wiley Childress, an 83-year-old former slave from Nashville, Tennessee, recounts his early life and experiences under slavery. He was born into the Bosley and Scales families and later lived with his former mistress after being freed, reflecting on the struggles of newly liberated slaves who received no promised land or compensation. Childress shares stories of a strong fellow slave named Fedd and details his employment history, which included work at the Maxwell House hotel, until age and health issues left him reliant on relief.

Slave Narrative of Joseph Leonidas Star

Joseph Leonidas Star, an 81-year-old poet and shoemaker from Knoxville, Tennessee, reflects on his family’s history and his experiences with slavery. His mother was freed before emancipation, and his father bought his freedom to marry. Star recalls notable events from his childhood, including interactions with historical figures like General Burnside and Jeff Davis, while expressing a desire to move beyond memories of slavery. Now a respected community member, he writes poetry, keeps meticulous records of local deaths, and advocates for change in his neighborhood.

Slave Narrative of Patsy Hyde

Patsy Hyde, a former slave born into the Brown family, recalls her life during slavery in Nashville, Tennessee. She describes the kindness of her mistress, the hardships faced, and the impact of the Civil War, including soldiers camped nearby and the sounds of battle. Patsy reminisces about cultural practices, communal events, and her dreams. Post-emancipation, she faced difficulties, lacking promised land and support. Despite her struggles for basic needs and the changing world, she reflects fondly on the past and the significance of community and faith.