Slave Narrative of Morris Sheppard
Morris Sheppard, born in November 1852, recounts his life as a slave on a Cherokee plantation in Oklahoma. His master, Joe Sheppard, was kind, and the plantation was small, leading to relatively light work for the slaves. Morris describes family ties, daily life, and the impact of the Civil War, including the sale of family members and the hardships faced afterward. Freed after the war, he struggled to navigate his new life, ultimately marrying and raising eleven children while recalling the kindness of his former master.