Wayne County GA

Slave Narrative of Eliza Scantling

Eliza Scantling, aged 87, recalls her life as a slave in Scotia, South Carolina. She describes her youth, working on a plantation and witnessing the end of the Civil War. Eliza shares memories of her family, her kind mistresses who treated her like kin, and the support she receives from her granddaughter and the government. Living in a modest cabin, she reflects on the hardships of aging and her deep connection to her past, emphasizing her enduring resilience through the years.

Biography of Thomas E. Sheard

Thomas E. Sheard, born in 1854 in Illinois, was a prominent barber who operated a successful establishment on Kansas Avenue in Topeka for thirty-two years. His experience allowed him to cultivate relationships with many notable individuals, including Buffalo Bill Cody. After learning the barbering trade, he settled in Topeka in 1884. Throughout his career, Sheard served a diverse clientele in a welcoming environment. He married twice, first to Eva May Cooper with whom he had two sons, and later to Ella Hendrickson, enjoying a prosperous life while contributing to his community.