Blackstock South Carolina

Slave Narrative of Josephine Stewart

Josephine Stewart, born in 1853 in Blackstock, South Carolina, reflects on her life as a former slave. She recounts her family background, noting her mother Celie and the Bells, her enslavers. Josephine remembers the hardships of her youth and her experience during the Civil War when Union soldiers devastated her community. After marrying and losing her husband, she worked as a maid and later returned to the Brice family. Now aged 85, she relies on charity and hopes for an old age pension.

Slave Narrative of Bill Williams

Bill Williams, aged 82, shares his experiences as a slave on the Durham plantation in South Carolina. He recounts life under his master, John Durham, and mistress, Margaret, emphasizing the relatively good conditions compared to other plantations. Williams describes household duties, family life, and religious practices, including baptism ceremonies he witnessed, one involving a young slave boy named Ike. Despite the hardships of slavery, he reflects on moments of joy and community among the enslaved people.