Cheatam

Slave Narrative of Harriet Cheatam

Harriet Cheatam, born on December 25, 1843, in Gallatin, Tennessee, shared her experiences as a former slave during an interview with Anna Pritchett in Indiana in 1937. She recounted her challenging childhood under master Martin Henley, emphasizing moments of resilience and community, such as prayer meetings in the quarters. Cheatam described the unique cooking methods employed by slaves, including the preparation of pound cake and ash cake. Now aged 94, she resides with her daughter, reflecting a joyful spirit despite her declining eyesight.

Slave Narrative of Reverend Squire Dowd

Reverend Squire Dowd, born April 3, 1855, reflects on his life as a slave under General W. D. Dowd in Moore County, North Carolina. He portrays slavery as a complex experience, noting that while physical abuse was uncommon, the institution itself was harsh. Dowd emphasizes a sense of community among slaves, detailing prayer meetings, social gatherings, and limited economic activities. He describes his post-war realization of freedom as gradual and complicated by societal changes, including the impact of the Freedmen’s Bureau and tensions with white communities.