Randolph County GA
Slave Narrative of Angeline Lester
Angeline Lester, born around 1847 on a Georgia plantation, recounts her early life as a slave. After her father was sold and her family separated, she moved between different plantations during the Civil War. Following the war, they were informed of their freedom but could only take minimal belongings. Eventually, Angeline rejoined her father and worked for various white families. Now residing in a dilapidated home in Youngstown, Ohio, she remains in good health and continues to work diligently for De Laud.
Native American History of Randolph County, Georgia
Randolph County, Georgia, named after Congressman John Randolph, is located in the Upper Gulf Coastal Plain. The area, once primarily hunting grounds for Native Americans, saw a density of occupation during the Archaic and Woodland periods, with small villages forming between 900 AD and 1600 AD. The Creek Indians inhabited the region, known for their agricultural skills and political structures. Their presence persisted until forced removal in the 1820s, significantly altering their cultural and geographical landscape amidst conflicts and treaties with European settlers.
Slave Narrative of Taylor Gilbert
Taylor Gilbert, interviewed at age 91 in Titusville, Florida, reflects on his life as the son of a colored mother and a white father. Born in Shellman, Georgia, he remembers the harsh realities of slavery, including brutal punishments for disobedience and the risks of moving without passes. Gilbert’s parents worked on a plantation, where his mother was a cook and his father a butler. After emancipation, he became a farmer, a profession he continues today, despite personal struggles and the loss of his wife.