Wake County NC

Biography of Joseph Addison Pope

Joseph Addison Pope, born in 1820 in Wake County, North Carolina, was raised in a farming family that valued hard work and integrity. After his parents moved to west Tennessee, Pope married Eliza A. Bridges in 1844 and later settled in Ripley County, Missouri, where he became a successful farmer owning 150 acres. He experienced multiple marriages and had seven children, with Reuben being the only surviving offspring. A dedicated Democrat, Pope also served as justice of the peace and was active in the local Masonic Lodge and church.

Slave Narrative of Aleck Woodward

Aleck Woodward, interviewed by W. W. Dixon at 83 years old, recalls his life as a slave on the Simonton plantation in South Carolina. He describes his family dynamics, living in a log house with seventeen members, and the hard labor they endured. Woodward fondly remembers Christmas and the kindness of his master’s family, despite the struggles of slavery. He recounts his experiences of freedom, marriage, and the challenges faced after emancipation, emphasizing the legacy of his family name, Woodward, as a symbol of resilience.

Slave Narrative of Betty Foreman Chessier

Betty Foreman Chessier, born on July 11, 1843, in Raleigh, North Carolina, recounts her experiences as a slave under Governor Manley. Separated from her family, she worked in the Big House, had minimal clothing, and was not allowed to learn. She witnessed the Civil War’s impact and the chaos of Union soldiers’ arrival, which changed her life. After the war, she relocated to Oklahoma with her child. Chessier emphasizes the value of freedom, prayer, and the influential figures of Lincoln and Booker T. Washington in her narrative.

Slave Narrative of Willis Cozart

Willis Cozart, born on June 11, 1845, in Person County, NC, was interviewed by Mary A. Hicks in 1937 at the age of 92. He recalled his life as a slave on a 1,200-acre plantation, his experiences of hard labor, and minimal punishment from his master. Cozart described the harsh realities of slavery, including separation from family, harsh whippings, and the sustenance provided. Despite these hardships, he fondly remembered community gatherings and the arrival of the Yankees, which led to significant struggles post-war.

Slave Narrative of Martha Allen

Martha Allen, a 78-year-old ex-slave from Craven County, North Carolina, recounts her life in a detailed interview. Born to Andrew Bryant and Harriet, she describes her mixed heritage and the harsh realities of slavery, including her mother’s struggles and abuse from the slave driver. She recalls the Ku Klux Klan’s terrorizing of freed families and her memories of gaining freedom at Cedar Falls. Throughout her life, she worked hard and expressed her values as a Christian, critiquing the younger generation’s behaviors.

Slave Narrative of Aunt Laura Bell

The interview with 73-year-old Laura Bell, a former enslaved person from Mount Airy, reveals her early life and experiences of slavery. Born just before the Civil War, she recounts her family’s relationship with their owner, Mr. Mack Strickland, who provided them with food and time to weave clothes. Laura shares personal anecdotes about her parents’ courtship and her own youthful romance with Thomas Bell, whom she married. Now living in a dilapidated shack in Raleigh, Laura reflects on the changes in family life and cleanliness since her youth.

Slave Narrative of Lizzie Baker

Lizzie Baker, interviewed by T. Pat Matthews in Raleigh, North Carolina, recounts her family’s experiences during slavery. Born after the Civil War’s end, she shares her parents’ hardships, including beatings and hunger, and the fear of being sold or separated. She reflects on her father’s escapes and the harsh punishments for seeking education. The sale of her siblings, Lucy and Fred, deeply affected her and her mother. Lizzie expresses appreciation for Lincoln’s emancipation and a strong admiration for President Roosevelt, whom she feels has greatly impacted her life.

Slave Narrative of Charity Austin

Charity Austin, born on July 27, 1852, in Granville County, North Carolina, was sold into slavery at ten. After experiencing hardship in Georgia and witnessing the brutal realities of enslavement, including separations of families and violence, she eventually learned of her freedom. Post-war, she worked for various families in Georgia and South Carolina before marrying Isaac Austin. Charity details the challenges faced by enslaved individuals, including limited access to education and the harsh realities of life under slavery while reflecting on the complexities of freedom after the Civil War.

Slave Narrative of Sarah Louise Augustus

Sarah Louise Augustus, born into slavery on a North Carolina plantation, recounts her early life and experiences. Owned by J.B. Smith, she describes the harsh realities of slave life, including corporal punishment and the slave auction system. She recalls her family’s lineage, her hard work milking cows, and interactions with local whites. After the Civil War, Augustus remained with her former owners, navigating post-war life while maintaining relationships with them. Married twice, she shares her dedication to earning respect and her involvement with community organizations.

Slave Narrative of Jane Arrington

Jane Arrington, born on December 18, 1852, in Nash County, North Carolina, recalls her experiences as a slave on Jackson May’s plantation. She details her family’s dynamics, living conditions, and tasks, emphasizing the absence of overseers and the relatively humane treatment from her master. Arrington recounts the cultural aspects of slave life, including games and songs, as well as the fear of ghosts. After the Civil War, she notes her parents’ struggles and ultimately reflects on the impact of slavery, viewing it as a profound injustice.

Slave Narrative of Uncle David Blount

Uncle David Blount recounts his experiences on a plantation in Beaufort County, North Carolina, under Major Wm. A. Blount. He describes both the hard work and moments of joy, such as swimming on Saturdays. While noting a cruel overseer, Blount recalls the tension that arose when slaves contemplated rebellion and how he alerted his master to thwart their plans. He also shares post-war challenges, the impact of the Civil War, and his eventual move to Raleigh. Blount’s narrative concludes with his passing in 1937.

Slave Narrative of Mary Anngady

Mary Anngady, an 80-year-old former slave, recounts her childhood experiences under Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Davis in Orange County, North Carolina. She reflects on the kindness of her enslavers, her education, and family life. After the Civil War, she traveled extensively, marrying twice, first to Aaron Stallings and later to Rev. Matthews Anngady, an Abyssinian prince. Through their lectures on African customs, she offered insights into the brutal practices within his tribe, including executions and cannibalism, before settling in Raleigh.

Slave Narrative of Emma Blalock

Emma Blalock, interviewed at 88 years old, recalls her childhood on John Griffith’s plantation in Auburn, North Carolina. She describes life as a slave, noting that her family experienced plenty of food and care. Her memories include holidays, family gatherings, and the occasional punishment of slaves. Although reading and writing were prohibited, she emphasizes the sense of community and support among slaves. Blalock reflects on her experiences, asserting that, despite the hardships, she viewed slavery as a time of relative comfort and security.

Slave Narrative of John Beckwith

In an interview with Mary A. Hicks, John Beckwith, aged 83 from Cary, North Carolina, recounts his experiences as a slave before and during the Civil War. He recalls life under various masters, the arrival of Union soldiers, and the chaos they caused, including the destruction of his home. Beckwith discusses the complexities of his early life, marked by moments of happiness despite the harsh realities of slavery. After the war, he left the plantation at sixteen, later reflecting on his past and seeking assistance for his old age.

Slave Narrative of Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson, born May 10, 1851, on a plantation in Wake County, North Carolina, recounts her life as a slave. Belonging to Sam Brodie, she describes a relatively mild life, with adequate food, care, and schooling for children. Sundays were special, with fruit and gatherings. She reflects on the end of the Civil War, the moment she and others learned of their freedom, and how many former slaves later returned to their former owners. Anderson expresses positive sentiments about her experiences, stating that slavery benefited her family.

Slave Narrative of Alice Baugh

In an interview on May 18, 1937, Alice Baugh, aged 64, recounts her mother Ferbie’s experiences during slavery on Mr. David Hinnant’s plantation in North Carolina. Baugh describes a relatively comfortable life for the enslaved, with good housing, ample food, and leisure activities such as dances and singing. She reflects on the mixed reactions to the Civil War, noting that many slaves mourned their lost way of life. Baugh emphasizes that her mother’s perspective contrasted with those who experienced harsher realities of slavery.