Slave Narrative of Ida Henry
Ida Henry, born in 1854 in Marshall, Texas, recounts her life as a house girl on Master Hall’s plantation. She describes her family’s hardships, including her mother’s brutal punishment for praying. After the Civil War, her master returned changed, treating his slaves with kindness until their eventual freedom in June 1865. Despite the oppressive conditions, including harsh overseers and limited freedoms, Ida’s narrative highlights moments of resilience and community among enslaved people. Her experiences reveal the complexities of slave life and the impact of the Civil War on personal relationships.