Slave Narrative of Katie Arbery
Katie Arbery, at 80 years old, recounts her life from her childhood in slavery under Paul McCall in Union County, Arkansas. She describes her affectionate upbringing, referring to her master as “pappy,” and her close-knit family, noting the absence of mistreatment. After emancipation, her family remained on the McCall property. Despite limited formal education, she fondly remembers her experiences, including hunting and cooking, and reflects on the changes in child-rearing practices. As her memory falters with age, she remains grateful for her past.