Slave Narrative

Cemetery Hill

Cemetery Hill in London, Kentucky, is the site of a notable Civil War battle, where trenches remain visible today. The area was originally gifted to Union forces by Jarvis Jackson for burials. Notably, the first daisies in the country were planted there. The southern side, near Dixie Highway, still displays remnants of cannon fire, including a school with a visible hole from a cannonball. Stories from the conflict recount the retreat of Southern General Zollie Coffer and highlight the violence faced by local residents.

Slave Trade Pricing

In Webster County, the slave trade involved significant pricing variations based on age and health. Adult women were sold for $300 to $500, while men fetched around $1,000. Children were priced between $150 and $200. Local accounts, including that of Mr. Tom Johnson, note that his father, a former slave trader, also served as the chief sheriff. Runaway slaves were commonly captured, with a typical reward of $100 for their return.

Floyd County Kentucky: List of Slave Owners

The list of slave owners in Floyd County, Kentucky, as recounted by 94-year-old Civil War veteran T.J. Uncle Jeff Sizemore, includes individuals from various locales like Prestonsburg and Lanesville. The auction blocks for slaves were primarily in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and Gladdville, Virginia. Slaves were often treated like domestic animals, with families frequently separated. Wealthy families, including sportsmen like Adam Gayheart, employed slaves for various tasks, while the dialect of the local population reflects influences from both white and black communities.

Kentucky Superstitions

Most Kentucky superstitions stem from a blend of beliefs shared between white settlers and enslaved African Americans. While many superstitions are ancient traditions passed down from Germanic and Indo-European cultures, African contributions primarily consist of hoodoo and voodoo practices. Enslaved individuals often influenced white children, leading to a mutual exchange of supernatural beliefs. Common superstitions encompass haunted houses, weather signs, luck indicators, and health charms, with a strong adherence to lunar phases for agricultural activities.

1850 Slave Bill of Sale

In June 1850, Joseph W. Cromwell and his wife, Martha, sold a 29-year-old enslaved woman named Milly and her 18-month-old child, James, to Wm. C. Hamner for $550 in Union County, Kentucky. The bill of sale includes a warranty that Milly is sound and healthy, ensuring the transfer of ownership for life, along with any future offspring. The document is formally signed by the Cromwells and recorded in the local deed book.

Underground Railroad

Between 1843 and 1845, the Underground Railroad emerged in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, facilitating the escape of enslaved individuals to Canada. Abductors operated at night, hiding slaves in locations like the McFerron house before moving them to Ohio or Michigan. No slaves were sold at auction in the county, and accounts suggest that their lives were relatively comfortable, receiving basic provisions and housing from their masters. Today, there are no enslaved individuals remaining in Rockcastle County.

Hoo-Dooism

The text presents a set of instructions related to Hoo-Dooism, detailing various rituals and components necessary for conjuring spells. It describes the importance of specific animal parts, such as a snake and scorpion, and emphasizes the care needed in their preparation. The procedures involve collecting ingredients, maintaining secrecy, and performing rituals during stormy weather to achieve desired effects. The work emphasizes the practitioner’s role as a healer, utilizing traditional beliefs and practices to draw upon the power of Hoo-Doo for assistance.

Last Wolf

On January 20, 1910, the last gray wolf in Christian County was killed by Tyler after causing distress among local farmers in the Sinking Fork area. Organized by Charles L. Dade, the hunting party successfully tracked and eliminated the animal, which measured 48 inches in length and stood 24 inches tall. This event marked a significant moment in the region’s wildlife history.

Negro Holiness Meetings

The Negro Holiness Meetings, held annually near Hopkinsville, draw 200-300 attendees celebrating their sanctified faith. The services blend emotional preaching with lively music, featuring pianos, banjos, guitars, and tambourines, fostering a unique rhythmic experience. Beginning at 7:30 PM, the night includes testimonies, prayers, and communal expressions of worship, marked by shouts of “Glory Hallelujah.” The mourners’ bench is perpetually filled, and fervent rejoicing ensues when individuals are welcomed into the congregation. The celebrations persist until the preachers tire, concluding the spirited gathering.

Coal Mine Slaves

In 1836, numerous enslaved individuals were introduced into Caldwell County to work in local ore mines, causing disruptions for local laborers and leading to increased patrols. This situation prompted local taxpayers to petition the Legislature, resulting in a special tax for the county’s benefit. Notably, President Andrew Jackson was among the slave owners, transporting enslaved people from Nashville to work in the iron and lead mines of Caldwell and Crittenden counties, making several visits to oversee operations.