Durham North Carolina
Slave Narrative of Lindsey Faucette
Lindsey Faucette, born on November 16, 1851, at Occoneechee Plantation, reflects on his life as a slave under the kind care of Marse John and Mis Annie Norwood. He recalls their humane treatment, including education and Sunday rest. After the Civil War, he and his family thrived on land granted by Marse John. Faucette emphasizes strong family values, education, and moral upbringing, crediting his faith for his successes and the well-being of his children, whom he raised with love and guidance.
Slave Narrative of Lucy Brown
In a 1937 interview, Lucy Brown from Durham, North Carolina, reflects on her childhood experiences as a slave under John Neal. Although she was very young when slavery ended, she shares memories relayed by her mother, Rosseta. Lucy describes their careful attempts to hold secret gatherings and notes the absence of harsh treatment, with good clothes and food provided. She recounts her mother’s stories of past hardships, the community’s church attendance, and her large family, revealing a narrative of resilience amidst oppression.
Slave Narrative of Cy Hart
Cy Hart recounts his family history, detailing the sale of his father, Ephram Hart, by Marse Ephram Hart to Marse Paul Cameron. Cy describes life on the plantation, including chores and the processing of wheat into flour. During the Civil War, Yankee soldiers came to their home seeking food, and Cy’s mother provided them with a meal. After the war, they remained with Marse Paul until his death, honoring him by carrying his coffin, which reflects the complicated relationships between enslaved individuals and their owners.
Slave Narrative of Milly Henry
Milly Henry, an 82-year-old former slave, recounts her life beginning in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where she was born into slavery under Mr. Buck Boylan. Fearing the arrival of Union troops, they journeyed to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she later worked for various employers. Her experiences included harsh treatment and witnessing significant events during the Civil War, such as the hanging of a Confederate soldier. Despite the hardships, Milly expresses gratitude for the end of slavery and reflects on her life and family.
Slave Narrative of Mary Wallace Bowe
Mary Wallace Bowe, at 81, recalls her childhood during the Civil War in Durham, North Carolina. Sold with her family from one plantation to another, she describes interactions with her owners, particularly Mis Fanny and Mis Virginia. As Union soldiers approached, they hid valuables, showcasing resilience and defiance against threats. Bowe recounts a visit from a peddler who later revealed he was Abraham Lincoln in disguise, eliciting a furious reaction from Mis Virginia. This narrative captures the complexities of slavery and the Civil War’s impact on personal lives.
Slave Narrative of Tempie Herndon Durham
Tempie Herndon Durham, age 103, reflects on her life as a slave on the Herndon plantation in Chatham County. She recounts her experiences with the Herndons, detailing the agricultural activities and the community of enslaved individuals who worked there, including weaving and dyeing. Durham shares personal memories of her wedding to Exter Durham and the eventual birth of their children. After the Civil War, she notes the challenges of freedom, suggesting life was more stable under slavery, with care provided by their masters.
Slave Narrative of Sarah Debro
In an interview conducted by Travis Jordan, Sarah Debro, a 90-year-old former slave from Orange County, recounts her experiences on Marse Doctor Cain’s plantation. She describes her relationships with her owners, particularly Mis Polly, and reflects on plantation life, including her duties as a housemaid. Debro shares her memories during the Civil War, observing the soldiers and the impact of the conflict on her life and family. After emancipation, she faced hardships in a post-war society, revealing her complex feelings about freedom and slavery.
Joseph A. White
Corporal F. A. White, from Durham, North Carolina, served in Battery C, 113th Regiment of the 30th Division. He entered the military on June 19, 1917, and underwent training at Camp Sevier before deployment to France on May 26, 1918. White participated in several key offensives, including St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. After the war, he returned to the U.S. on March 19, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Jackson on March 28, 1919.
Robert C. White
Sergt. M. P. White, of the 30th Company, 30th Division, from Durham, North Carolina, enlisted on June 30, 1917. After training at Camp Sevier and Camp Mills, he sailed for France on May 11, 1918. He participated in key battles at the Hindenburg Line and Voormizelle. Serving with Battery C, 113th Field Artillery, he later joined the 105th Military Police, which became the 30th Military Police Company. He returned to the United States on April 11, 1919, and was discharged on April 14.
Joseph J. Adams
Sergt. F. A. Adams, a member of Battery C, 140th Regiment, 39th Division, was born in Durham, North Carolina, to J. A. Adams and Mrs. Adams. He married H. C. Adams and enlisted in the Army on May 23, 1918. After training at Camp Jackson and Sevier in South Carolina, he was transferred to Jackson Barracks in New Orleans. He completed his service and was mustered out at Camp Beauregard on May 29, 1919.
Charles L. Andrews
Sergt. Charles L. Andrews served in the Field Artillery of the 30th Division, 113th Regiment. Born in Durham, N.C., he enlisted on June 19, 1917, and trained at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt before sailing for France on May 8, 1918. He participated in significant battles including St. Mihiel, Argonne, and Woevre. Andrews returned to the United States on March 18, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Jackson, S.C., on March 28, 1919, following his promotion on December 18, 1919.
Robert E. Averitt
Robert E. Averitt, born in Durham, N.C., served as the Headquarters Cook for the 1st Corps Artillery Park. He enlisted on September 17, 1917, and was trained at Camp Jackson, S.C. He deployed to France on May 30, 1918, participating in key battles including Champagne, Aisne, and Meuse-Argonne. After the war, he returned to the U.S. on August 1, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Va., on August 10, 1919.