Slave Narrative of Willis Dukes

Interviewer: Pearl RandolphPerson Interviewed: Willis DukesLocation: Madison, FloridaAge: 83 Born in Brooks County, Georgia, 83 years ago on February 24th, Willie Dukes jovially declares that he is “on the high road to livin’ a hund’ed years.” He was one of 40 slaves belonging to one John Dukes, who was only in moderate circumstances. His parents were Amos and Mariah Dukes, both born on this plantation, he thinks. As they were a healthy pair they were required to work long hours in the fields, although the master was not actually cruel to them. On this plantation a variety of products was … Read more