South Carolina

Slave Narrative of Delia Thompson

Delia Thompson, an 88-year-old former slave from South Carolina, reminisces about her life under the Kilgo family, recounting her experiences as a housemaid. She describes her close relationship with her young mistress, Catherine, and the care received from her master, Jesse Kilgo. Delia shares her family background, her marriages to preachers, and her pride in her children. Reflecting on her life, she expresses both fond memories and the sorrows of being a widow, highlighting her connection to her heritage and descendants.

Slave Narrative of Mack Taylor

Mack Taylor, a 97-year-old former slave, reflects on his life during an interview in Ridgeway, South Carolina. He discusses his struggles with old age pension eligibility, considering it unfair given his hard work and savings. Taylor recounts the harsh conditions under his master, Tom Clark, and the constant threat from overseers. He shares memories of family, including the deaths of several wives and children, and his current life with his son Charley on their 97-acre farm. Taylor’s faith remains strong as he approaches the end of his life.

Slave Narrative of Reuben Rosborough

Reuben Rosborough, an 82-year-old man from Ridgeway, South Carolina, recalls his early life as a slave. He and his family were taken from Virginia and sold to John Rosborough, who treated them well. Reuben mentions the simplicity of life on the plantation, where they grew their own food and had a good relationship with their master. He reflects on the Civil War, his father’s role, and the local doctor’s views on diseases. Reuben expresses admiration for Presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt, believing they were instrumental in advocating for the oppressed.

Slave Narrative of Robert Toatley

Robert Toatley, born on May 15, 1855, in South Carolina, reflects on his life from slavery to prosperity. He recalls a happy childhood spent with the white children of his plantation, where he experienced both camaraderie and hardship. Despite facing adversity, including the boll weevil’s impact on his farm, Toatley has maintained ownership of his land and raised a large family. His narrative includes details of the brutality of slavery and the societal changes following the Civil War, illustrating a life marked by resilience and adaptation.

Slave Narrative of Aunt Mary Williams

Aunt Mary Williams, interviewed by F. S. DuPre in Spartanburg, South Carolina, recalled her experiences during slavery. Raised by Mrs. Margaret Taylor, she described her master, Mr. Alfred Brown, as kind, noting he did not permit whippings on his plantation. She spoke of her family’s work and her skills in sewing, as well as the arrival of Union soldiers in Spartanburg, who took supplies. She also mentioned a confusing encounter with a military figure believed to be Abraham Lincoln.

Slave Narrative of Tom Rosboro

Tom Rosboro, a 79-year-old ex-slave from Winnsboro, South Carolina, recounts his life experiences, including his family lineage, the challenges of slavery, and his eventual freedom. His parents belonged to different masters, and he recalls the difficulties they faced, including the necessity of passes for his father to visit. Tom describes his life post-slavery, including his marriage to Mattie Nelson and their children, highlighting the dynamics of their family and Tom’s current living situation with his daughter Estelle.

Slave Narrative of Manda Walker

Manda Walker, an 80-year-old former slave, recounts her early life in Winnsboro, South Carolina, where she lived during and after the Civil War. Born in 1857 to Jeff and Phoebe, she reflects on her childhood, describing the hardships inflicted by patrollers and the struggles her family faced. Manda details her work and life post-emancipation, emphasizing the poverty and challenges faced while raising her nine children with her husband, Jerry. Despite the difficulties, Manda maintains a sense of hope in divine justice and eternal happiness.

Slave Narrative of Benjamin Russell

Benjamin Russell, an 88-year-old former slave from South Carolina, recalls his experiences under the ownership of Mrs. Rebecca Nance. He describes his family background and the relationships among slaves on the plantation, highlighting the support and care provided by his mistress. Russell discusses work, food, and leisure activities, including church attendance and community gatherings. He notes the restrictions on literacy for slaves and shares anecdotes about life during slavery, including the treatment of slave women and the complexities of family life. The narrative offers insight into the dynamics and culture of enslaved individuals in the antebellum South.

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.

Slave Narrative of Alexander Scaife

In an interview conducted by Caldwell Sims, Alexander Scaife reflects on his experiences as a slave in Pacolet, South Carolina. He recalls the death of Marster Charner Scaife and the harshness of Marster’s wife, Miss Mary Rice Scaife. Scaife describes his work, including carrying water, polishing shoes, and transporting cotton via flat-boat. He shares moments of joy, such as earning a nickel, and details the daily routines and labor required of him and other slaves, highlighting both the challenges and the small pleasures of their lives.

Slave Narrative of Emoline Satterwhite

Emoline Satterwhite, born near Broad River in the Blair section, recounts her experiences as a slave of the Blair family during an interview on May 19, 1937. Satterwhite describes her upbringing under the care of a free woman after her parents were sold. She performed household chores and assisted her sisters with textile work. Limited to one dress, she washed it in the creek and had to wear it damp. Eventually, she worked in the fields, hoeing and picking cotton.

Slave Narrative of Isom Roberts

Isom Roberts, an 80-year-old ex-slave, recounts his memories of slavery and freedom during an interview in Columbia, South Carolina. He reflects on his childhood experiences during the Civil War, the harshness of his former master, and the transition to freedom after the master’s death. Despite acknowledging the wrongness of slavery, Roberts suggests that conditions for many African Americans are worse now due to poverty. He reminisces about his late wife, Lucy, and expresses contentment in the simple joys of life while living alone.

Slave Narrative of Uncle Ransom Simmons

The interview with Ransom Simmons, a 104-year-old former slave from Mississippi, reveals his unique perspective on his life under slavery and during the Civil War. Brought to South Carolina by his master Wade Hampton, he served as a bodyguard for his young master during the war. Simmons attended night school to learn to read and, later in life, was taught to write. Living alone in a shack, he enjoys the support of a local dairy and a small pension, reflecting on his life with gratitude and contentment.

Slave Narrative of Ned Walker

Ned Walker, an 83-year-old former slave, recounts his life in Winnsboro, South Carolina, where he now lives with his daughter and son-in-law. Born into slavery on the Clifton place, he recalls the Gaillard family, their plantation, and the care they provided to the enslaved. Walker reflects on his family, the names they received, and the food and lifestyle they had. He expresses his admiration for figures like Abraham Lincoln and shares vivid memories from church services and community events, highlighting the bonds formed by the enslaved.

Slave Narrative of Mamie Riley

In an interview with interviewer Phoebe Faucette, Mamie Riley, an ex-slave from Estill, South Carolina, recounts her memories of slavery and the arrival of Union soldiers. She describes her family’s life on the plantation of Mr. Henry Solomon and the chaos that ensued as the Yankees approached. Mamie recalls her father’s flight to the woods and her mother’s attempts to hide from the soldiers, who took possessions from their home. After emancipation, Mamie remained in the area until her marriage.

Slave Narrative of Morgan Scurry

Morgan Scurry, interviewed in 1937, recounts his experiences as a slave in Newberry County, South Carolina. Born to Tom and Francis Scurry, who were owned by the Drury Scurry family, he describes a relatively benevolent environment where he worked in the fields and around the house. Following emancipation, he and other former slaves chose to stay with Dr. Scurry, who offered them wages and land to cultivate. He reflects on community gatherings, religious practices, and a mix of good and bad experiences with both white and black figures in his life.

Slave Narrative of Martha Richardson

Martha Richardson, born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1860, recounts her childhood experiences during and after the Civil War. She describes her mixed heritage and the challenges her family faced, particularly her mother’s hard work as a cook to support them. A significant event in her youth was when she and her brothers discovered a pot filled with money, which aided their family’s financial situation. Her mother’s prudent use of this treasure allowed them to buy property, securing a better life for Richardson in her later years.

Slave Narrative of “Aunt” Nina Scott

Aunt Nina Scott, interviewed on May 17, 1937, recalls her experiences as a slave under Dr. Shipp in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She noted that her treatment was akin to that of white individuals, mentioning distinctive caregiving arrangements for children. She reminisced about the chaos during the Civil War, including her mother hiding turkeys from Union soldiers. Nina also highlighted the kindness of Dr. Duncan and his wife, who shared food with local children, regardless of their race.

Slave Narrative of Phillip Rice

In a 1937 interview, Phillip Rice recalls his life as a slave on a South Carolina plantation, primarily serving as a cattle driver. He describes his upbringing under the care of his grandparents and talks about the plantation’s operations, including livestock and crop management. Rice reflects on the dynamics between the enslaved individuals and their owners, particularly Miss Ann, who ensured the overseer behaved appropriately. He details the plantation’s food supplies and their work, emphasizing the self-sufficiency of both the enslaved and the plantation.

Slave Narrative of Jesse Rice

In an interview on January 8, 1938, Jesse Rice reflects on his childhood during the Civil War, sharing memories of his family’s struggles and survival after General Sherman’s march. He recounts the scarcity of food, relying on simple meals like ash cake and simmon beer. Rice describes the aftermath of the war, the challenges faced by returning soldiers, and the community’s resilience in planting and saving seeds. He touches on local history and the terror of the Ku Klux Klan, revealing the harsh realities of life during that time.