Cherokee County SC Genealogy – Access Genealogy

Slave Narrative of Jesse Rice

In an interview on January 8, 1938, Jesse Rice reflects on his childhood during the Civil War, sharing memories of his family’s struggles and survival after General Sherman’s march. He recounts the scarcity of food, relying on simple meals like ash cake and simmon beer. Rice describes the aftermath of the war, the challenges faced by returning soldiers, and the community’s resilience in planting and saving seeds. He touches on local history and the terror of the Ku Klux Klan, revealing the harsh realities of life during that time.

Slave Narrative of Silas Smith

In an interview conducted on November 12, 1937, Silas Smith reflects on his life as a slave and the complexities of newfound freedom after the Civil War. He recounts his uncertainty about his birth date, indicating that such details were insignificant to him. Following the announcement of emancipation, Smith describes a mix of emotions among the enslaved, revealing a deep attachment to their masters. Despite the challenges of freedom, he chose to remain with his former mistress, Miss Sallie, until her death. Smith then lived with his father on a nearby plantation.