Jacksonville Florida

Where were Cape François and the May River?

Scholars have traditionally identified Cape François with present-day Cape Canaveral and the May River with the St. Johns River. However, historical distances and travel times documented by de Laudonnière contradict this assumption. His accounts suggest a two-week journey from Cape François to the May River, indicating a location further north than the St. Johns River. This discrepancy has led to unsuccessful searches for Fort Caroline at the St. Johns, resulting in the construction of a replica that now serves as a National Monument.

Slave Narrative of Frank Berry

Frank Berry, a 78-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida, claims descent from Osceola, the last chief of the Seminole tribe. Born in 1858 to enslaved parents, he has limited memories of slavery, recalling a kind but impersonal master. Following the Civil War, he held various governmental positions, including U.S. Marshal. Berry recounts the complexities of African American life during and after slavery, including interactions with Native Americans. Now in reduced circumstances, he reflects on past successes and the dignity of his heritage while living with family.

Slave Narrative of Acie Thomas

Acie Thomas, born on July 26, 1857, in Jefferson County, Florida, reflects on his life as a former slave on the Folsom plantation. He recounts the relatively benign nature of his experience, detailing childhood activities and food security. Thomas was freed around age 15 and later navigated life as a sharecropper before moving to Jacksonville. As an elderly man, he struggles with loss and isolation, reminiscing about his deceased family and yearning for peace. He remains in a modest, deteriorating home, clinging to memories of a hard-fought existence.

Slave Narrative of Samuel Simeon Andrews

Samuel Simeon Andrews, born in 1850 in Macon, Georgia, reflects on his life as a former slave, moving through various plantations before emancipation. He describes his experiences, particularly on the A.J. Lane plantation, where he recalls kind treatment and familial ties among slaves. Andrews shares memories of plantation life, Civil War incidents, and post-emancipation education challenges. Despite a difficult past, he emphasizes community resilience, his active involvement in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and a longevity attributed to a positive outlook on life and health practices.

Slave Narrative of Young Winston Davis

Young Winston Davis, born June 28, 1855, in Ozark, Alabama, reflects on his experiences as a slave on a wealthy plantation. He recounts the treatment of slaves, including harsh punishments and the separation of families, alongside some degree of kindness from his master. Davis shares memories of daily life, including cooking, healthcare using herbs, and the lack of education opportunities. After emancipation, he engaged in politics and became a preacher, later settling in Jacksonville, Florida, where he married in 1935.

Slave Narrative of Irene Coates

Irene Coates, born around 1859 in Georgia, shares her experiences as a child of formerly enslaved parents, living in the household of the Bedell family after emancipation. With vivid recollections of slavery, she describes harsh treatments by overseers and notable incidents that influenced perceptions of enslaved individuals. Irene recalls the division of labor among the enslaved and the struggles of freed Black women. After her marriage, she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she has witnessed the city’s growth and remains engaged in discussions about her past experiences.

Slave Narrative of Florida Clayton

Florida Clayton, interviewed at 82, recounts her life shaped by the legacy of slavery despite never being enslaved herself. Born in a context of miscegenation, she reflects on her family’s history, where her white great-grandfather freed his children except one. Clayton recalls the dangers of her childhood, including encounters with notorious “nigger hunters” and the fear surrounding child stealers. She witnessed the surrender of Tallahassee during the Civil War and later moved to Jacksonville, where she now resides in an Old Folks Home.

Slave Narrative of Claude Augusta Wilson

Claude Augusta Wilson, born in 1857 to enslaved parents on Tom Dexter’s plantation in Florida, recounts life before Emancipation. He describes the plantation’s size, the daily routine of labor, and the contrasting treatment by his benevolent master and harsh mistress. After the Civil War, Claude’s family experienced freedom, moving to Jacksonville where they adapted to new roles and found employment. His story reflects a transition from slavery to freedom and the societal changes in Jacksonville during that period, showcasing resilience and adaptation in the face of change.

Slave Narrative of “Father” Charles Coates

Father Charles Coates, born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia, at 108 years old, reflects on his life experiences. He recalls the harsh conditions and cruelty faced on plantations under different masters, particularly the severe punishments meted out. Despite these trials, he highlights the small comfort of attending religious services. After emancipation, Coates worked and accumulated savings, experiencing love and loss with the death of his first wife. Residing in Savannah, he later married Irene and continued preaching, celebrating his long life and faith at a birthday gathering in 1936.

Slave Narrative of Margrett Nickerson

Margrett Nickerson, an interviewee aged about 89-90, recounts her early life as a slave on William A. Carr’s plantation in Leon County, Florida. She shares her memories of labor, family, and the oppressive environment, highlighting the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals, including beatings and limited personal freedom. After the Civil War, she worked for pay and eventually settled in Gadsden County with her family. Now residing in Jacksonville, Nickerson, who has never read or written, continues to piece quilts while reflecting on her past.

Slave Narrative of Mack Mullen

Mack Mullen, a former slave born in 1857 in Georgia, recounts his life on the Snellings plantation in Jacksonville, Florida. With around 200 slaves, the plantation produced various crops and had a structured routine for work and rest. Mullen describes the communal life, religious practices, and the master’s relatively lenient approach to education and discipline. He vividly remembers the day of emancipation and the subsequent celebrations. After freedom, Mullen’s family thrived, and he later moved to Jacksonville, where he contributed to local construction efforts.

Slave Narrative of Luke Towns

Luke Towns, born in December 1835 in Georgia to enslaved parents, recounts his life from slavery to freedom. He was sold multiple times before becoming a young man and later worked as a farmer and laborer. After the Civil War, he established his own life in Albany, married Mary Julia Coats, and became a deacon in various Baptist churches throughout his life. Now over 100 years old, he resides in Jacksonville, Florida, maintains a strong memory, and enjoys reading.

Slave Narrative of Samuel Smalls

Samuel Smalls, interviewed at age 85 in Jacksonville, Florida, shares the story of his father, Cato Smith. Born in Connecticut to freed slaves, Smith voluntarily entered slavery for seven years to marry a woman on a plantation. Despite initially working without pay, he eventually received wages, allowing him to buy a small farm after completing his term. Adversity struck his family later, but following emancipation, they regained their freedom. Smalls reflects on his father’s journey and the complexities of voluntary slavery.

Slave Narrative of Shack Thomas

Shack Thomas, a 102-year-old former slave, recounts his life’s journey, beginning in 1834 on a plantation in Florida owned by Mister Jim Campbell. He shares vivid memories of his childhood, family hardships, and the conditions of enslaved life. Despite the challenges, Thomas describes Campbell as a relatively kind master, noting better treatment than at other plantations. Post-emancipation, he worked for $5 a month and has spent his life traveling throughout Florida. Now residing in Jacksonville, his humor and spirit remain strong despite his advanced age.

Slave Narrative of Anna Scott

Anna Scott, born in Dove City, South Carolina, in 1846, was an ex-slave who later joined one of the first groups of African American colonizers to West Africa after emancipation. Raised on a plantation, she had a close bond with her mistress, who allowed her to practice religion, albeit with restrictions. Following emancipation, Anna experienced a transition that included travel to Charleston and eventually to Africa, where her stepfather established a successful business. After eight challenging years abroad, she returned to America, married, and settled in Jacksonville, Florida.

Slave Narrative of Willis Williams

Willis Williams, born on September 15, 1856, in Tallahassee, Florida, recounts his life as the son of enslaved parents under Thomas Heyward. He recalls a relatively benign childhood, stating he was well-fed and cared for. Williams’ father learned carpentry from a white craftsman, while his mother worked as a cook. Post-Civil War, he describes the joy of emancipation and the transition to seeking education and job opportunities. Eventually, he became a railway mail clerk, serving for four decades until retirement.

Slave Narrative of Edward Lycurgas

Edward Lycurgas, interviewed by Pearl Randolph in Jacksonville, Florida, recounts his life experiences and family history, detailing his time as a free Black man during and after the Civil War. He describes his father’s capture while running a blockade and the harsh realities of slavery, observing the brutal slave markets. Lycurgas reflects on the transition to freedom, the challenges faced by newly liberated people, and the role of church and community in their lives. He shares memories of his family, church gatherings, and the impact of the war on his upbringing.

Slave Narrative of Rev. Squires Jackson

Rev. Squires Jackson, born in Madison, Florida, in 1841, shared his life story as a former slave and preacher in Jacksonville. He described following his mother in the cotton fields and the kindness of his master, though they were prohibited from reading. He recounted his escape during the Civil War and experiences that led him to avoid military service. After the war, he became a bricklayer, eventually felt called to preach, and married, having fourteen children. At ninety-six, he remains lively and grateful for his freedom.

Slave Narrative of Harriett Gresham

Harriett Gresham, born in 1838, shared her experiences as a slave on Edmond Bellinger’s plantation in Barnwell, South Carolina, during an interview at 98 years old. She recalls a relatively carefree childhood, working alongside her family’s labor in the big house. Harriett reflects on the Civil War’s impacts, including the anxiety surrounding Fort Sumter and the eventual news of freedom. Post-war, she married Gaylord Jeannette, a Union soldier. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida, she reminisces fondly about her past while engaging with her granddaughter and others.

Slave Narrative of Clayborn Gantling

Clayborn Gantling, born on January 20, 1848, on Judge Williams’ plantation in Georgia, recounts his childhood during slavery. He describes the harsh conditions, including limited food, hard labor, and the brutality of punishments. Gantling recalls the fear felt by slaves during the Civil War and the gradual improvement of their lives post-emancipation. He reflects on the deep spirituality of his fellow slaves and the injustices they faced, including family separations. At 89, he now resides in Jacksonville, Florida, sharing his story and memories.