Brinkley Arkansas

Slave Narrative of Diana Alexander

Diana Alexander, interviewed by Miss Irene Robertson in Brinkley, Arkansas, reflects on her life as a former enslaved person. Born near Bihalia, Mississippi, she worked in the fields and performed domestic tasks. Her parents, Sarah and Hubberd Bogan, were treated well by their owner, Myers Bogan. Alexander recalls a fearful experience during the Civil War, hiding with her mistress and her child from approaching Union soldiers. Now 74, she continues to work hard, supporting herself without aid, while paying off her home.

Slave Narrative of Joseph Samuel Badgett

Joseph Samuel Badgett, born in 1864 in Dallas County, Arkansas, recounts his experiences and observations as a former slave. He describes his mother’s pride, her struggles with the pateroles, and the scars she bore from being whipped for not having a pass. Badgett remembers the social dynamics of post-Civil War society and the limited educational opportunities available to him. He emphasizes the distinctions between groups like the Ku Klux Klan and Jayhawkers, reflecting on the importance of understanding the past for younger generations.

Slave Narrative of Jane Birch

In an interview with Irene Robertson, 74-year-old Jane Birch from Brinkley, Arkansas, reflects on her childhood memories during and after the Civil War. She recalls her mother’s warnings about the Ku Klux Klan and describes her family dynamics, including her life as one of fifteen children. Birch notes the historical significance of Black voting, expressing concern about the younger generation’s values and behaviors, including issues of commitment in marriage. Despite her worries, she acknowledges that times are changing and generally improving.