Slave Narrative

Slave Narrative of Sophie D. Belle

Sophie D. Belle, born near Knoxville, Georgia, reflects on her life as the daughter of a house slave, raised by the Hicks family. Although she never witnessed the sale of slaves, she recalls the effects of the Civil War and emancipation on her community. Belle recounts her childhood, education, and two marriages, noting her lack of children. After moving to Forrest City in 1874, she worked various domestic jobs and is now reliant on Social Welfare at age 77. Throughout her life, she has maintained a connection to her Baptist faith.

Slave Narrative of Emmett Beal

Emmett Beal, at 78, recounts his experiences as a former slave in Bolivar, Tennessee, under Master Dr. Jim May. He describes his childhood chores, including churning milk, and the living conditions for enslaved families. After emancipation, many former slaves remained with Dr. May as sharecroppers. Beal recalls his father’s military service during the Civil War and the family’s struggles after being freed. He notes a lack of support from former owners and the complexities of voting rights in his current life.

Slave Narrative of Dina Beard

Dina Beard, born in September 1862, shares her limited memories of slavery, emphasizing that she was too young to recall significant events. She reflects on life in the 1800s, describing homemade clothing, modesty in appearance, and a self-sufficient lifestyle involving homegrown food. Despite never attending school, she notes the lack of educational opportunities for African Americans at that time. Raised by a shoemaker father, she enjoyed good health throughout her life, and acknowledges changes in societal norms as time passed.

Slave Narrative of Annie Beck

Annie Beck, 50, from West Memphis, Arkansas, recounts her family’s history as enslaved individuals. Born in Mississippi, her mother, who was sold from Alabama to Holcomb, experienced relatively good treatment under Master Beard. However, her father faced harsher conditions after being sold in Richmond, Virginia, to Master Thomas. The narrative highlights the contrasting experiences of enslaved people within the same family and touches on the complexities of freedom amidst the secrecy maintained by slave owners.

Slave Narrative of J. H. Beckwith

J. H. Beckwith, born in 1870 in North Carolina, recounts his family’s history, emphasizing his father’s determination and skills despite his background as a mulatto. Beckwith, educated through the church and with a successful trade in carpentry, reflects on his efforts to uplift his community through ministry. He stresses the importance of self-esteem and leadership for African Americans and criticizes the younger generation’s lack of direction. The interviewer notes Beckwith’s extensive knowledge, evident in his well-furnished home with books and personal achievements.

Slave Narrative of Enoch Beel

Enoch Beel, a 79-year-old former slave from Hardman County, Tennessee, recounts his life of servitude under Miss Viney and Dr. Jim Mass. His father, a Union soldier, struggled financially despite his service, and Beel reflects on the hardships faced during and after the Civil War. He recalls the disarray and scarcity of resources in the post-war South, including encounters with the Ku Klux Klan. Beel worked various farms in Arkansas after the war, facing challenges like losing his leg and struggling to find work.

Slave Narrative of James Bertrand

James Bertrand, aged 68, recalls his family history and experiences related to slavery in Arkansas. He was born in 1870, shortly after the Civil War. His father, Mack Bertrand, worked on a farm owned by the Bertrands and faced minimal punishment from overseers and pateroles. His mother, Lucretia, was a house worker who bore thirteen children, many during slavery. While he did not experience severe oppression firsthand, he acknowledges the presence of the Ku Klux Klan in their lives. Bertrand himself became a shoemaker and has lived in Little Rock for thirty years.

Slave Narrative of Kato Benton

In an interview with 78-year-old Kato Benton, he recounts his life experiences, including his upbringing in South Carolina and subsequent relocation to Arkansas. He discusses the kindness of his former white owners and his difficult experiences after gaining freedom, particularly with an abusive colored man to whom he was given. Benton describes his work as a domestic laborer and reflects on never having been married or educated. He expresses a sense of resignation toward the younger generation and his reliance on welfare for support.

Slave Narrative of George Benson

George Benson, an 80-year-old cotton farmer from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, reflects on his life during slavery and the years that followed. He notes his lack of awareness of his age, as records were kept by his enslaver, Dr. Waters. Benson remembers interactions with Union soldiers and the hardships of farming. Despite voting for various presidents, he feels disenfranchised and suggests that African Americans still face systemic barriers. He expresses concern for his future and his wife’s well-being as he ages.

Slave Narrative of Carrie Bradley Logan Bennett

Carrie Bradley Logan Bennett, aged over 79, recounts her life as a slave in Mississippi. She describes her owner, Massa Tom Logan, as a kind but troubled man, involved in horse trading. Her mother worked on the plantation, and she reminisces about family life, chores, and childhood games. Carrie details the strictness of Miss Liza Jane, who disciplined the children, and reflects on her parents’ origins and the fear of the Ku Klux Klan during her youth. She expresses concern over the younger generation’s work ethic and her own health issues.

Slave Narrative of Bob Benford

In an interview with Bernice Bowden, Bob Benford, a 79-year-old, recounts his life as a former slave, originally from Perry County, Alabama, and later residing in Arkansas. He describes his experiences of kindness from his masters and fond childhood memories, including Christmas celebrations and farm life. After emancipation, he and his mother worked on shares, eventually becoming a successful farmer. Reflecting on racial dynamics, he notes his lack of troubles with white individuals and recalls voting and community engagement. Benford’s narrative highlights a blend of hardship and resilience.

Slave Narrative of Cyrus Bellus

Cyrus Bellus, born in 1865 in Jefferson County, Mississippi, shares his experiences as a child of enslaved parents who belonged to David Hunt. He recalls the harshness of slave labor, including cotton picking and weaving, while describing the limited provisions allocated to families. After emancipation, Bellus discusses how his family adapted to freedom, working in groups and sharecropping. He eventually moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he transitioned to lumber grading. Now 73, he reflects on his life and current reliance on assistance.

Slave Narrative of Henry Blake

Henry Blake, born on March 16, 1863, in Little Rock, Arkansas, recalls his childhood growing up in a wooded area. As a child, he drove a horsepower gin wagon at the age of seven or eight during slavery. While he describes having been treated well, he acknowledges the harsh realities faced by others. After emancipation, Blake details the challenges of sharecropping and exploitation by landowners. He discusses his family background, his marriages, and his religious affiliation, emphasizing the complexities of post-war life for African Americans.

Slave Narrative of Boston Blackwell

Boston Blackwell, a 98-year-old former slave, recounts his experiences from being born on a Georgia plantation to gaining freedom during the Civil War. He describes his escape to join Union forces and the challenges he faced afterward, including the struggle for a pension and the hardships of sharecropping. Blackwell reflects on the changes in post-war society, including the disenfranchisement of Black citizens and the oppressive actions of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the trials, he emphasizes his pride in having served his country and his resilience in adversity.

Slave Narrative of Beatrice Black

Beatrice Black, a 48-year-old resident of Biscoe, Arkansas, recounts her family’s history, tracing her mother-in-law’s forced relocation from Brownsville, Tennessee, during the Civil War. Sold at a public auction, Dedonia Black experienced significant hardships but was treated well by her master. Beatrice reflects on Dedonia’s life, which included three marriages and raising thirteen children on government land. She shares memories of the Yankees’ disruptions during the war, emphasizing the resilience and strength of her mother-in-law’s character.

Slave Narrative of Jane Birch

In an interview with Irene Robertson, 74-year-old Jane Birch from Brinkley, Arkansas, reflects on her childhood memories during and after the Civil War. She recalls her mother’s warnings about the Ku Klux Klan and describes her family dynamics, including her life as one of fifteen children. Birch notes the historical significance of Black voting, expressing concern about the younger generation’s values and behaviors, including issues of commitment in marriage. Despite her worries, she acknowledges that times are changing and generally improving.

Slave Narrative of Mandy Billings

Mandy Billings, born in 1854 in Louisiana, shares her experiences of slavery and family separation. Her last owner was Bill Otts, but her father, Charles McLaughlin, was her former master. She recounts her mother’s sale and her grandfather’s effort to rescue her. Billings describes the harsh realities of slavery, including encounters with the Ku Klux Klan and patrollers. After marriage, she worked primarily as a washerwoman. Despite the hardships, she reflects on her treatment, noting some kindness from white families.

Slave Narrative of Alice Biggs

Alice Biggs, approximately 70, recounts her family’s history from her roots in Mississippi to her current life in Holly Grove, Arkansas. Her parents, both formerly enslaved, came from Kentucky and Virginia. Biggs describes her mother as a valued washwoman and cook, while her father was absent. She recalls a kind master and the absence of Ku Klux Klan threats on their land. Living as a widow with her son, Biggs manages her modest farm and expresses a disconnect with the younger generation, noting she doesn’t receive a pension.

Slave Narrative of Vera Roy Bobo

Vera Roy Bobo, a 68-year-old woman from Holly Grove, Arkansas, reflects on her family’s history. Her mother, Margaret Cobb, was a house girl and seamstress whose family was enslaved by the Cobbs in Georgia. Her father, St. Roy Holmes, a light-skinned C.M.E. preacher, moved to Arkansas in 1885. Vera mentions her husband, William Bobo, whose family was also of mixed heritage and had connections to a wealthy lineage in Mississippi. She notes her parents rarely spoke of their experiences in slavery.

Slave Narrative of Miss Adeline Blakeley

Miss Adeline Blakeley, born in 1850 in Tennessee, recalls her early life as a slave in Arkansas, where she was treated affectionately by the Parks family. She shares memories of the Civil War, noting the presence of both Union and Confederate troops and the hardships faced during that time. After the war, she expresses a longing for education that was denied to her as a slave. Blakeley describes her life post-war, including supporting the Blakeley family and her experiences with community, hardship, and resilience.