“Southern Kith and Kin: A Record of My Children’s Ancestors” is a comprehensive four-volume genealogical record compiled by Jewel Davis Scarborough, first published in 1951. This detailed work traces the lineage and historical narratives of several families from the colonial period through the early 20th century, focusing particularly on their roles in American history and migration patterns.
Alice Lewis, an 84-year-old former slave from Wilkes County, Georgia, recounts her experiences growing up on the Wakefield plantation. She describes her family’s relative comfort, with sufficient food and clothing, and the education they received. Alice recalls her transition to Baltimore, where she worked as a dressmaker for prominent families. She also reflects on her life during the Civil War, witnessing Union soldiers and the upheaval it brought. Throughout her narrative, she emphasizes her sense of community and resilience despite the hardships of slavery.
Andrew Moss, born in 1852 in Georgia, reflects on his life as a former slave during an interview in Knoxville, Tennessee. He nostalgically remembers the prayer grounds where enslaved individuals sought solace and liberation. Moss recounts experiences of hardship during the Civil War, detailing the scarcity of food and the presence of Union soldiers. He describes life under his master, George Hopper, and his family’s tumultuous history. Now in his old age, Moss expresses a mix of sorrow for lost times and hope for a peaceful reunion with loved ones in the afterlife.
Mariah Callaway was born on the James H. Willis plantation, not the Callaway plantation, as some articles have inaccurately reported. In an interview, Callaway recounted her experiences of slavery, recalling her early life under the Willis family, who, she stated, were kind to their slaves. She described the plantation’s practices, including the provision of food and clothing, as well as the community events that took place. Throughout the discussion, Callaway emphasized the significance of religion in their lives and the effects of the Civil War on the plantation.
Alice Bradley, known as Aunt Alice, is a self-proclaimed seeress living in Athens, Georgia. Despite her rheumatism and a restless night caused by a howling dog, she welcomes visitors to discuss her card readings. Born into a family with a rich history, she recalls her life’s milestones, including two marriages and the loss of children. Notably, her card readings have foretold events, both good and bad, impacting the lives of those around her. Alice runs her card readings for free, viewing them as goodwill rather than a business.
Willis Cofer, born in 1860 and interviewed by Grace McCune, recounts his life as a slave on the Cofer plantation in Georgia. He describes the joys of childhood, limited work duties, and a communal life rich with traditions, despite the harsh realities of slavery. Cofer reflects on the plantation’s practices around food, marriage, and funerals, emphasizing the care taken by their master. After emancipation, Cofer and his family faced new hardships, including violence from the Ku Klux Klan. He expresses a deep faith and readiness to meet his maker, sharing a poignant connection to his past.