Biographical and historical memoirs of eastern Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties: Arkansas, Crittenden, Cross, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, Prairie, St. Francis, White, and Woodruff. Read and download the book for free.
Diana Alexander, interviewed by Miss Irene Robertson in Brinkley, Arkansas, reflects on her life as a former enslaved person. Born near Bihalia, Mississippi, she worked in the fields and performed domestic tasks. Her parents, Sarah and Hubberd Bogan, were treated well by their owner, Myers Bogan. Alexander recalls a fearful experience during the Civil War, hiding with her mistress and her child from approaching Union soldiers. Now 74, she continues to work hard, supporting herself without aid, while paying off her home.
Emma Barr, born in Arkansas, reflects on her family’s history as enslaved individuals. Her mother, sold multiple times, endured hardship during the Civil War, including the loss of children. Emma’s parents were treated well by their last owners, Dr. Pope and his wife. Emma, who has lived a life of nursing and farming, recalls her mother’s experiences and the resistance against slavery. Now at 65, she reminisces about her past, her family’s struggles, and her own journey following her husband’s death.
Sophie D. Belle, born near Knoxville, Georgia, reflects on her life as the daughter of a house slave, raised by the Hicks family. Although she never witnessed the sale of slaves, she recalls the effects of the Civil War and emancipation on her community. Belle recounts her childhood, education, and two marriages, noting her lack of children. After moving to Forrest City in 1874, she worked various domestic jobs and is now reliant on Social Welfare at age 77. Throughout her life, she has maintained a connection to her Baptist faith.
Frank Cannon, interviewed by Miss Irene Robertson in Palestine, Arkansas, reflects on his life as a slave born on a farm in Mississippi. His family, purchased from a speculator, was brought from South Carolina. He recounts life on the plantation, including the absence of formal education, communal meals, and the supervision of a white preacher. Cannon describes his father’s blacksmith work and the varying treatment among slaves. He observes changes in children’s behavior and concludes that while conditions varied, some were treated well, while others faced cruelty.
This page lists known online cemetery transcriptions, burial records, and gravestone images for Saint Francis county in Arkansas. Resources vary by cemetery and may include full surveys, partial records, mapping, or photographs. Links lead to external sites providing the available data.