Slave Narrative of Rivana Boynton
Rivana Boynton, born on a plantation in South Carolina, recalls her life as an enslaved person until emancipation at age 15. She describes her childhood labor, including cotton thinning and housekeeping, as well as meager living conditions without proper beds. During the Civil War, she witnessed Union soldiers invade her home but helped save her mistress’s life by pleading for her safety. After the war, she married Alexander Boynton and raised 18 children. Now, she cherishes her large family, including multiple generations of grandchildren.