Slave Narrative of Joseph William Carter
The interview with Joseph William Carter, a centenarian and former slave, reveals his experiences of bondage and survival. Born around 1836 to a mother who was sold from the Gardner family, he recounts her capture by Indians and subsequent return home. Carter describes his life under the Mooney family, the brutality of slavery, and the impact of the Civil War. Despite these hardships, he reflects on his happiness, family, and the value of work. He emphasizes his devotion to freedom and decency in society.