Newberry County SC

Slave Narrative of Henry Ryan

Henry Ryan, born around 1854 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, recounts his experiences as a slave under Judge Pickens Butler. He describes a relatively benign upbringing, with ample food and a prayer house for worship. Despite the harsh realities of slavery, Ryan recalls some good treatment and opportunities to work personal plots. He reflects on community life, including Sunday church, holiday celebrations, and traditional games. After emancipation, he married and raised a family, eventually appreciating the freedoms gained compared to his past.

Slave Narrative of Mary Veals

Mary Veals was born in Newberry, South Carolina, and, though she does not remember the era of slavery, she recounts her parents’ experiences as enslaved individuals under Judge J.B. ONeall. Veals highlights her family’s traditions, including fishing and hunting for food, and describes her journey to education. She recalls the founding of colored churches after the Civil War and shares insights into community life, games, and herbal medicine. Veals expresses respect for influential figures like Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington and emphasizes her faith and commitment to the church.

Slave Narrative of Emoline Wilson

On May 21, 1937, Emoline Wilson, a former slave from Newberry, South Carolina, recounted her life under slavery on Lemuel Lane’s plantation. She described her family background, her mother’s sewing skills, and the harsh realities of slave life, including limited freedom and meager compensation. Despite occasional kindness from Lane, she faced strict control and physical punishment. Emoline spoke of church attendance, community activities, and traditional remedies. Reflections on the Civil War and notable figures like Abraham Lincoln were included, illustrating her understanding of history shaped by her experiences.

Slave Narrative of Emoline Wilson

Emoline Wilson, born in Newberry County, South Carolina, was enslaved by Lemuel Lane, who was killed shortly after emancipation. Following freedom, her mistress provided some food. Now elderly and unable to work much, she lives with her son in a rented cottage. Wilson notes that she never heard of former slaves receiving the promised 40 acres and a mule, and they had to seek work from others. She recalls no issues with the Ku Klux Klan or political involvement in her community.

Slave Narrative of Jane Wilson

Jane Wilson, interviewed in 1937 at age 77, recounts her life as the daughter of Billy Robertson, who served Judge Job Johnstone. Wilson describes her father’s close relationship with the judge, his role during and after the Civil War, and community interactions, including experiences with the Ku Klux Klan. She shares harrowing memories, including witnessing a lynching and her father’s bravery in conducting a funeral for a murdered man. Wilson also notes her limited labor in the fields and her involvement with the Avelleigh Presbyterian Church.

Slave Narrative of Alfred Sligh

Alfred Sligh, born in Newberry County, South Carolina, in 1837, reflects on his life as a former slave and now a centenarian living in Columbia. He recalls his family’s servitude to the Sligh family and his experiences during the Civil War, including the arrival of Union soldiers. After emancipation in 1865, he worked various jobs, supported by the Freedmen’s Aid Office. Sligh married Sarah and later found happiness with his wife Sadie. He expresses hope for an old age pension to ease their financial struggles.

Slave Narrative of Emoline Satterwhite

Emoline Satterwhite, born near Broad River in the Blair section, recounts her experiences as a slave of the Blair family during an interview on May 19, 1937. Satterwhite describes her upbringing under the care of a free woman after her parents were sold. She performed household chores and assisted her sisters with textile work. Limited to one dress, she washed it in the creek and had to wear it damp. Eventually, she worked in the fields, hoeing and picking cotton.

Slave Narrative of Morgan Scurry

Morgan Scurry, interviewed in 1937, recounts his experiences as a slave in Newberry County, South Carolina. Born to Tom and Francis Scurry, who were owned by the Drury Scurry family, he describes a relatively benevolent environment where he worked in the fields and around the house. Following emancipation, he and other former slaves chose to stay with Dr. Scurry, who offered them wages and land to cultivate. He reflects on community gatherings, religious practices, and a mix of good and bad experiences with both white and black figures in his life.

Slave Narrative of Anne Rice

In an interview with G. Leland Summer, Anne Rice recounts her experiences as the child of enslaved parents in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. She describes life on the Posey farm, where hard labor in the fields was common, and care was taken by the master’s wife. Rice mentions the pain of separation among families, as well as traditional remedies for illness. After the Civil War, she remained with the Poseys, ultimately working as a wash-woman. Rice reflects on church, family, and her lack of formal education.

Slave Narrative of Ellen Renwick

In an interview with Ellen Renwick, she recounts her life as a slave born on Capt. John P. Kinard’s plantation in Newberry, South Carolina. Ellen describes her parents, Lucy and Eph Kinard, and notes that her master was relatively kind, though she experienced some punishment. She recalled her childhood chores, cooking over a fireplace, and the transition to freedom after the Civil War. Ellen married Tom Renwick and mentioned their church activities and lack of education for enslaved people.

Slave Narrative of Lila Rutherford

Lila Rutherford, born around 1849 in Dutch Fork, South Carolina, recounted her experiences as a slave under Ivey Suber. She served as a nurse and was treated well, receiving ample food and clothing. Despite no formal education or church for slaves, she felt grateful for her master’s care. Rutherford noted the social aspects of plantation life, such as communal gatherings and work on personal gardens. After emancipation, she remained on the plantation while her family moved away. She expressed positive sentiments about Abraham Lincoln and Jeff Davis.

Slave Narrative of Frank Range

Frank Range, a 103-year-old resident of Greenville, South Carolina, recounts his experiences as a child of enslaved parents and his role during the Civil War. Born on a plantation, he was taken to war as a cook and helped rescue his master during a bombardment. After the war, he moved to Greenville, where he shares his life stories with enthusiasm. Range attributes his longevity to a healthy lifestyle, free from alcohol, tobacco, and conflict, and currently receives a modest state pension.

Slave Narrative of Susie Riser

In a 1937 interview, Susie Riser recounts her life as a slave under Cage Suber in Dutch Fork, South Carolina. She describes her upbringing, working in the house until old enough for fieldwork, and her duties, such as fanning flies for her master. Riser recalls community events like cotton-pickings and quilting gatherings, where food was plentiful. She mentions marrying John Riser and eventually moving to town. Her narrative reflects the complexities of her existence during slavery and the social interactions within that period.

Slave Narrative of Ellen Swindler

Ellen Swindler was born by the Enoree River in Newberry County, South Carolina. She described her life as a slave under master Tom Price, detailing the hard labor she and her siblings performed from childhood. Swindler recounted her modest wedding to Nathan Swindler and limited clothing and education during her youth. She shared about the infrequent joys and traditions, such as Christmas treats and home remedies for sickness. Swindler expressed her admiration for historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington, noting her preference for the present over her past.

Slave Narrative of Joe Rutherford

Joe Rutherford, born around 1846, recounts his experiences as an enslaved person in Newberry, South Carolina. He worked on Morris Island for Dr. Thomas Rutherford and his brother, Ros Atwood. He began fieldwork at age 13 without payment but had access to hunting and fishing. Education was minimal, with some informal learning. After the Civil War, he and others were informed of their freedom by overseers. Rutherford married twice, had 13 children, and faced challenges during the Ku Klux Klan era. He joined the church later in life.

Slave Narrative of Bettie Suber

Bettie Suber, interviewed by G. Leland Summer in 1937, reflects on her life as a slave near Bush River Baptist Church in Newberry County, South Carolina. Born around the time of the Civil War, she served as a house-girl for Bonny Floyd, whom she described as a good master. Suber recalls the absence of trouble from patrollers and the Ku Klux Klan at their farm. She details daily life, including grinding grain at Singleys Mill and farming practices. Despite her illness, she was eager to share her memories.

Slave Narrative of Sam Rawls

Sam Rawls, born in 1835 in Lexington County, South Carolina, reflects on his life as a slave under John Hiller. He recounts witnessing the chaos of the Civil War, including Union soldiers threatening his life. Although strict, Hiller did not treat his slaves harshly; they worked in gardens and attended white churches. Rawls learned to read secretly and shared stories of community events like corn-shuckings. He remembers the oppressive presence of patrollers and expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington.

Slave Narrative of Mary Veals

In a 1937 interview, Mary Veals recounted her experiences during and after slavery in Newberry, South Carolina. She noted her parents, Washing and Polly Holloway, were enslaved by Judge O’Neall. After the Civil War, Veals struggled economically due to high prices and limited resources. Despite this, she received an education from Miss Sallie, Judge O’Neall’s daughter. The interview highlights the formation of a Black church, led by preacher Simon Miller, symbolizing community resilience post-emancipation.

Slave Narrative of Henry Ryan

Henry Ryan, interviewed by G. Leland Summer in 1937, reflects on his life after slavery in Newberry, South Carolina. Living in a small rented house with his daughter, Ryan takes on occasional work but acknowledges his age limits his ability. He describes the post-Civil War experience of former slaves, who primarily became sharecroppers or found other jobs. He notes a lack of interest in Reconstruction and voting, expressing contentment with his simple life and reminiscing about the sustenance and conditions during his time as a slave under Major Pickens Butler.

Biography of Holmes Dysinger, Rev.

Rev. Holmes Dysinger, born March 26, 1853, in Pennsylvania, has devoted over thirty years to ministry and education. He has served as dean of the Western Theological Seminary since 1910 and has held various pastoral roles across the United States. A graduate of Pennsylvania College and the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, he also studied in Germany and earned multiple advanced degrees. He married Ada Frances Ray in 1886 and they have five children. Dysinger’s family has deep roots in Pennsylvania, tracing back to their German origins.