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 Gabe Emanuel

Gabe Emanuel, an 85-year-old ex-slave from Port Gibson, Mississippi, reflects on his life on Judge Stamps’ plantation. Despite the hardships, he recalls moments of joy, such as attending Sunday school and entertaining guests at the Judge’s parties. Emanuel describes his experiences with overseers, the challenges of the Civil War, and the shift in life after emancipation. He expresses nostalgia for the past, noting that although times have changed, he believes discipline and guidance are lacking in today’s society. Emanuel lives modestly, hoping for a peaceful end.

Slave Narrative of Julia Williams

Julia Williams, an ex-slave residing in Wadsworth, Ohio, recounts her post-Civil War experiences. She describes the harsh reality of freedom, where former slaves struggled to find housing and work, often without pay. Some were forced to remain on plantations, while others remained unaware of their freedom. Williams reflects on her determination to reunite with her mother and the challenges faced by soldiers and former slaves alike. Despite some progress, she expresses skepticism about women’s suffrage and the current generation’s struggles.

Slave Narrative of Charlie Davenport

In this interview, Charlie Davenport recounts his life as a slave on Gabriel Shields’ plantation in Natchez, Mississippi. Born shortly before his mother’s death, he shares fond memories of childhood, camaraderie, and traditional foods. Despite experiencing hardships, he describes good treatment from his master and his eventual decision to stay on the plantation post-Civil War, valuing stability over freedom. Davenport reflects on the complexities of the war, the challenges of emancipation, and social changes, highlighting the lingering ties between former slaves and their white families.

Slave Narrative of Anna Baker

Anna Baker, an 80-year-old former slave from Mississippi, recounts her experiences during slavery and the years following the Civil War. Born near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she grew up under Master Morgan Clemens, who valued her for her intelligence. After emancipation, Baker was reunited with her mother, Harriet, and learned to read and write. Now living alone in Aberdeen, she relies on a government loan for her home and looks forward to potential assistance from old age pensions, maintaining her faith in the Lord.

Slave Narrative of James Singleton

Rev. James Singleton, born in 1856 in Mississippi, shares his experiences as a former enslaved person. He recounts being sold at a young age to a plantation where he and his siblings lived and worked. He describes their living conditions, daily routines, and interactions with slave patrollers. After the Civil War, Singleton’s owner announced their freedom, leading to education efforts facilitated by his father. Now a Baptist preacher and farmer, he reflects on the injustices of slavery and the importance of religion in his life.

Slave Narrative of Jim Allen

Jim Allen, an 87-year-old former slave from West Point, Mississippi, recounts his life experiences during slavery. Born in Russell County, Alabama, he describes his family’s separation due to debts and the nature of his work as a boy. He reflects on the treatment he received from his owners, highlighting both kindness and harsh realities of slavery, including punishment and the constant watch of patrollers. After the Civil War, he navigated a changing society, marrying young and contributing to his community, while cherishing his memories of old traditions and beliefs.

Slave Narrative of Sam McAllum

Sam McAllum, born in 1842 in Mississippi, recounts his experiences as an ex-slave and his life during and after the Civil War. He describes his early life on the Stephenson Plantation, the challenges of wartime scarcity, and the complexities of post-war freedom. He details the violence and social upheaval in Kemper County, including the influence of the Chisolm family and the Ku Klux Klan. Ultimately, McAllum’s narrative highlights his resilience and the broader struggles for African Americans in the changing South.

Slave Narrative of Henri Necaise

Henri Necaise, a 105-year-old former slave, recounts his life experiences during and after slavery in Harrison County, Mississippi. Born into slavery, he was separated from his mother and raised by his white father. Necaise describes his early life under the care of his master, Ursan Ladnier, and reflects on the hardships of freedom, emphasizing the lack of support from carpetbaggers post-war. He eventually established a life for himself, married a fellow former slave, and now lives with the assistance of the community.

Slave Narrative of James Cornelius

James Cornelius, a 90+ year old former slave from Magnolia, Mississippi, recounts his life experiences, including his enslavement in Franklin, Louisiana, and service during the Civil War. Sold as a child, he recalls working under Marse Murry, who was relatively kind, despite administering punishment when necessary. Cornelius vividly describes his wartime experiences, witnessing death and injury. Post-war, he struggled to find fair wages and worked various jobs, eventually marrying Maggie Ransom and raising seven children. He now receives a Confederate pension and remains an active member of his church.

Slave Narrative of Charlie Moses

Charlie Moses, at 84, recounts his painful memories as a slave under the cruel Jim Rankin in Marion County, Mississippi. He describes relentless labor, severe beatings, and inadequate sustenance. Moses emphasizes the fear Rankin instilled not only in slaves but his own family, emphasizing the suffering endured by his community. After the Civil War and his eventual freedom, he traveled across Louisiana for work before becoming a preacher in Brookhaven. Despite his newfound freedom, Moses remains haunted by the horrors of slavery.

Slave Narrative of Gus Clark

Gus Clark, an 85-year-old former slave from Richmond, Virginia, recounts his life experiences in Howison, Mississippi. He shares the hardships faced during his childhood after the Civil War, including working in harsh conditions as a water boy in Louisiana. Despite the brutality of slavery, he notes that conditions were sometimes better than his current poverty-stricken life, where he and his wife depend on minimal state assistance. Reflecting on his past, Clark discusses severe punishments, lack of education, and the meager provisions provided by his former master.

Slave Narrative of Hamp Kennedy

Hamp Kennedy, a 78-year-old former slave from Mississippi, shares his vivid memories of life before and during the Civil War. He recounts experiences of Yankee soldiers raiding their plantation, the struggle for survival, and the community’s cultural practices, such as candy pullings and wakes. Despite not being able to read or write, Kennedy emphasizes the rich oral traditions and the resilience of enslaved people. He describes hardships faced after the war and reflects on how times have changed, highlighting a sense of nostalgia for the past.

Slave Narrative of John Cameron

John Cameron, born in 1842 in Jackson, Mississippi, recalls his experiences as a slave under Howell Magee. He describes a relatively comfortable life, with adequate food, care, and leisure time. Cameron appreciated his master and mistresses, noting they treated their slaves well. He worked as a gardener and was content with his life until the Civil War disrupted everything. After the war, he and other former slaves returned to Mississippi, but he faced difficulties reconnecting with his now-adult children. Cameron reflects on the changes in society since the war, expressing nostalgia for the past.

Slave Narrative of Prince Johnson

Prince Johnson recounts his life as a slave in Mississippi, detailing his family’s journey from Alabama to Yazoo County under the ownership of the Love family, later becoming Johnsons after the young mistress’s marriage. He describes daily life, work, and relationships on the plantation, emphasizing the community’s resilience and the quality of their subsistence. Post-Civil War, he reflects on freedom, voting, and the social dynamics of the time, while expressing nostalgia for his former master and the order he provided. Johnson ultimately highlights his success as a farmer and community member.

Slave Narrative of Jane Sutton

Jane Sutton, an 84-year-old ex-slave from Gulfport, Mississippi, reflects on her life in bondage on Marse Jack Berry’s farm in Simpson County. Born in 1840, she recounts the relationships with her family, her experiences with the Berry family, and the lack of severe punishment compared to other slaves. After the Civil War, she struggled for independence and maintained ties with her former owners, who had treated her well. Now, she faces hardship in her old age, relying on her daughter and neighbors for support.

Slave Narrative of Isaac Stier

Isaac Stier, born into slavery in Jefferson County, Mississippi, recounts his life under Marse Jeems Stowers’ plantation. He shares experiences of being cared for during illness, enjoying festive occasions, and the hardships faced during the Civil War, particularly at Vicksburg. Although he fought alongside his master, post-war life proved challenging, as freedom did not bring the expected improvements. Stier reflects on the kindness of his former masters, the unpredictability of the Klan, and the struggles of his later years, expressing a longing for simpler times.

Slave Narrative of Susan Snow

Susan Snow, born in 1850 in Wilcox County, Alabama, recounts her experiences as an ex-slave. At 87, she reflects on her upbringing, her mother’s fierce nature, and life on a plantation. Despite facing hardships, including punishments and a lack of formal education, she recalls the strong community of enslaved people and their songs. After the Civil War, Susan navigated a challenging world, ultimately finding faith and redemption. Her narrative captures personal resilience, cultural traditions, and the complexities of life in post-slavery America.

Slave Narrative of Berry Smith

Berry Smith, a centenarian born into slavery in Alabama, recounts his life as a house servant and laborer across several plantations in Mississippi. He shares memories of both hardships and small joys, detailing his experiences with overseers, family, and community, alongside moments of play and resistance against oppression. After the Civil War, Smith navigated freedom while working various jobs, including cooking for soldiers. Now living independently, he reflects on a lifetime of labor, the changing dynamics of youth today, and his hope for a peaceful afterlife.

Slave Narrative of Clara C. Young

Clara C. Young, a 95-year-old ex-slave from Monroe County, Mississippi, shares her life experiences, recalling her early years and the hardships of slavery. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, she was sold at auction and worked on plantations, where she faced harsh labor and cruelty from overseers. Despite these challenges, she found joy in community gatherings and religious meetings. After the Civil War, Young remained with her former masters for a time, only to later marry and raise a family, reflecting on her life with nostalgia and a sense of loss.

Slave Narrative of Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson, an 84-year-old former slave from Mississippi, recounts his life on the Wilson plantation where he was born. His mother, Caline, and father, Jeff, were both field hands purchased for substantial sums. He describes the harsh labor, including his mother’s nighttime weaving and their meager rations. Christmas was a brief respite, marked by extra food. Wilson details the violence of slavery, including punishments and his father’s near-fatal whipping. After emancipation, he bought land from his former owners and has farmed it ever since.