Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States - From Interviews with Former Slaves - Arkansas Narratives, Part 5 by Work Projects Administration
page 27 of 354 (07%)
page 27 of 354 (07%)
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"A man named Boyle told me that he had some ground to sell. I saved up
$45, the price he asked for it. When I offered it to him, he said that he had decided not to sell it. I went to town and spent my $45. A few days later, he met me and offered me the place again. I told him I had spent my money. He then offered it to me on time. There was plenty of timber on the place, so I got some contracts with a man named Roland and delivered wood to him. When I went to collect the money, he said he would not pay me in money. "A man named Pennington offered me 20ยข a day for labor. I asked if he would pay in money. "He replied, 'If you're looking for money, don't come.' "I went home and said to my wife, 'I am going to leave here.' "I came to Forrest City, Arkansas January 28, 1888. I farmed in Forrest City, making one crop, and then I entered the ministry, and then I preached at Spring Park for two years. "Then I entered Philander Smith College where I stayed from 1891-1897. I preached from the time I left Philander until 1913. "Then I studied law and completed the American Correspondence course in Law when I was fifty years old. I am still practicing. Wife and Family "In 1897, when I graduated from Philander, my wife and six children were |
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