South Carolina

Slave Narrative of Julia Woodberry

In a 1937 interview with Annie Ruth Davis, Julia Woodberry shares her memories of growing up in slavery and the experiences of her family. She recounts her mother’s origins as a Chee Indian and her capture by a white man, which led to their life as house servants. Julia reflects on her mother’s strong character and independence, noting that she did not tolerate disrespect. She also discusses her granddaughter’s illness, referred to as “straw fever,” demonstrating her continued connection to family and tradition.

Slave Narrative of Julia Woodberry

In a November 1937 interview, Julia Woodberry recalls the terrifying earthquake that struck while she was an adult in Marion, South Carolina. She vividly describes the sudden dark clouds, the chaos, and the fear that gripped the community that night. Woodberry contrasts past and present living conditions, noting that people had better provisions and clothing, often made at home, compared to modern times. She expresses concern over the decline in morals and self-sufficiency among people today, reminiscing about a time when community and family values were stronger.

Slave Narrative of Julia Woodberry

In a November 1937 interview, Julia Woodberry reflects on her life, born in Brittons Neck but raised on Mr. Jim Brown’s plantation. She recounts her mother’s past as an enslaved person and her struggles after freedom, including the hardships of courtship during her youth. Woodberry expresses deep gratitude for Mrs. Louise Brown, who treated her with kindness amidst the challenges she faced. She dismisses beliefs in conjuring and spirits, emphasizing her faith in the Bible and her experiences of hardship and resilience throughout her life.

Slave Narrative of Mom Jessie Sparrow

In a December 1937 interview, 83-year-old Jessie Sparrow reflects on her life in Marion, South Carolina. She talks about her daily routine, including her health, visits from neighbors, and memories of loved ones. Sparrow expresses gratitude for her independence, despite her declining strength. She reminisces about her children, particularly her daughter Evelyn, who visits from the North. The conversation also touches on local traditions, community concerns, and the passage of time, illustrating her connection to both family and the wider community.

Slave Narrative of Mom Jessie Sparrow

In September 1937, 83-year-old Jessie Sparrow reflected on her life in Marion, South Carolina, during an interview with Annie Ruth Davis. Living alone, she described her humble circumstances, relying on minimal income from laundry work. Jessie recounted her experiences growing up on a plantation, the Civil War’s impact, and her father’s efforts for family stability. She noted the changes in her community and emphasized the importance of education and manners among the younger generation. Despite her challenges, Jessie found peace in her faith and the kindness of others.

Slave Narrative of Mom Jessie Sparrow

In a May 1937 interview, 83-year-old Jessie Sparrow recounts her memories of life as a child of a house girl in Marion, South Carolina. She reflects on her mother Sallie Bowens’ early marriage and work in the white household, where they lived in a separate room. Sparrow describes their diet, cooking methods, and the care provided by her Missus, noting the absence of money. She also recalls church attendance and the community’s connection to the white Methodist Church, illustrating aspects of her past and family history.

Slave Narrative of James Singleton

Rev. James Singleton, born in 1856 in Mississippi, shares his experiences as a former enslaved person. He recounts being sold at a young age to a plantation where he and his siblings lived and worked. He describes their living conditions, daily routines, and interactions with slave patrollers. After the Civil War, Singleton’s owner announced their freedom, leading to education efforts facilitated by his father. Now a Baptist preacher and farmer, he reflects on the injustices of slavery and the importance of religion in his life.

Slave Narrative of Charlie Moses

Charlie Moses, at 84, recounts his painful memories as a slave under the cruel Jim Rankin in Marion County, Mississippi. He describes relentless labor, severe beatings, and inadequate sustenance. Moses emphasizes the fear Rankin instilled not only in slaves but his own family, emphasizing the suffering endured by his community. After the Civil War and his eventual freedom, he traveled across Louisiana for work before becoming a preacher in Brookhaven. Despite his newfound freedom, Moses remains haunted by the horrors of slavery.

Slave Narrative of Hamp Kennedy

Hamp Kennedy, a 78-year-old former slave from Mississippi, shares his vivid memories of life before and during the Civil War. He recounts experiences of Yankee soldiers raiding their plantation, the struggle for survival, and the community’s cultural practices, such as candy pullings and wakes. Despite not being able to read or write, Kennedy emphasizes the rich oral traditions and the resilience of enslaved people. He describes hardships faced after the war and reflects on how times have changed, highlighting a sense of nostalgia for the past.

Slave Narrative of Prince Johnson

Prince Johnson recounts his life as a slave in Mississippi, detailing his family’s journey from Alabama to Yazoo County under the ownership of the Love family, later becoming Johnsons after the young mistress’s marriage. He describes daily life, work, and relationships on the plantation, emphasizing the community’s resilience and the quality of their subsistence. Post-Civil War, he reflects on freedom, voting, and the social dynamics of the time, while expressing nostalgia for his former master and the order he provided. Johnson ultimately highlights his success as a farmer and community member.

Slave Narrative of Perry Sid Jemison

Perry Sid Jemison, an ex-slave born in Perry County, Alabama, and currently residing in Steubenville, Ohio, shared insights from his life at 79 years old. He reminisced about family life on the plantation and the struggle for freedom after the Civil War. Despite hardships, including limited education and labor conditions, he expressed pride in his heritage and belief in the importance of religion. Jemison is now a respected elder and evangelist, living with his daughter and grandchildren, reflecting on both his past and the legacy of slavery.

Slave Narrative of Mom Genia Woodberry

In June 1937, Genia Woodberry recounted her experiences growing up on the plantation of Massa Jim Stevenson in South Carolina. At age 89, she vividly remembered the community’s structure, where enslaved people received ample provisions and had the opportunity to work in various roles, such as nursing children and weaving. She noted the importance of discipline under Miss Susan’s supervision, the communal activities, and the ways they cared for one another, contrasting these memories with the struggles of contemporary life.

Slave Narrative of Jane Wilson

Jane Wilson, interviewed in 1937 at age 77, recounts her life as the daughter of Billy Robertson, who served Judge Job Johnstone. Wilson describes her father’s close relationship with the judge, his role during and after the Civil War, and community interactions, including experiences with the Ku Klux Klan. She shares harrowing memories, including witnessing a lynching and her father’s bravery in conducting a funeral for a murdered man. Wilson also notes her limited labor in the fields and her involvement with the Avelleigh Presbyterian Church.

Slave Narrative of Daniel Waring

Daniel Waring, born in 1849 in Fairfield County, South Carolina, recounts his life as a slave on Colonel Edward Bookter’s plantation. Despite the harsh conditions of slavery, he enjoyed relative comfort and companionship with white children on the estate. Waring recalls the confusion and challenges faced by African Americans after emancipation in 1863. Following the war, he struggled economically and worked various jobs in Columbia. Waring reflects on his experiences with a mix of nostalgia and recognition of the difficulties faced by freedmen in the post-war South.

Slave Narrative of Uncle Dave White

In an interview conducted by Samuel Addison, Dave White, born around 1842 in South Carolina, recounts his experiences as a slave. He describes his family background and recalls significant moments, including the freedom announced to his family and the limited food they ate. He remembers his master, Bill Cooper, and the hardship endured under slavery, including witnessing punishments and the communal singing of spirituals. White shares details of his marriage to Sarah and their life together, ultimately emphasizing the struggles and resilience of enslaved people.

Slave Narrative of Charley Watson

Charley Watson, aged 87, recalls his life as a slave in South Carolina during an interview with W. W. Dixon. Born on the Hog Fork Place, he describes the extensive plantation owned by Daniel Hall and the harsh realities of slave life, including long working hours and the difficult conditions faced by his family. Charley mentions various aspects of plantation life, from the food provided to the limited freedoms slaves had, sharing memories of his family and the distinct rhythms of their labor and culture.

Slave Narrative of Alfred Sligh

Alfred Sligh, born in Newberry County, South Carolina, in 1837, reflects on his life as a former slave and now a centenarian living in Columbia. He recalls his family’s servitude to the Sligh family and his experiences during the Civil War, including the arrival of Union soldiers. After emancipation in 1865, he worked various jobs, supported by the Freedmen’s Aid Office. Sligh married Sarah and later found happiness with his wife Sadie. He expresses hope for an old age pension to ease their financial struggles.

Slave Narrative of Nancy Washington

Nancy Washington, a 104-year-old ex-slave, shared her experiences during an interview in May 1937. Raised on Massa Giles Evanson’s plantation in South Carolina, she recalled relative kindness from her enslavers, contrasting her life with accounts of harsher conditions faced by others. She described her work as a house girl, tending to the Missus and children, and the communal cooking methods used at the time. Nancy also reflected on her marriage at 16 and the difficulties faced after the Civil War, highlighting the societal changes around her.

Slave Narrative of Josephine Stewart

Josephine Stewart, born in 1853 in Blackstock, South Carolina, reflects on her life as a former slave. She recounts her family background, noting her mother Celie and the Bells, her enslavers. Josephine remembers the hardships of her youth and her experience during the Civil War when Union soldiers devastated her community. After marrying and losing her husband, she worked as a maid and later returned to the Brice family. Now aged 85, she relies on charity and hopes for an old age pension.

Slave Narrative of Uncle Willis Williams

Willis Williams, interviewed in Conway, South Carolina, recounts his experiences from slavery to freedom. He reflects on his childhood, the arrival of Union soldiers during the Civil War, and the harsh realities of life as a freedman. Williams describes his former owner, John A. Williams, and his interactions with Yankees, including receiving $35 after the war. He shares memories of working with cattle and the transition to freedom, highlighting the struggles faced afterward. He also touches on his relationships and personal hardships, revealing the complexities of his life.