Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States - From Interviews with Former Slaves - Indiana Narratives by Work Projects Administration
page 31 of 221 (14%)
page 31 of 221 (14%)
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buckets for the field hands. It made no difference how tired she was,
when the horn was blown at 4 a.m., she had to go into the field for another day of hard work. The women had to split rails all day long, just like the men. Once she got so cold, her feet seemed to be frozen; when they warmed a little, they had swollen so, she could not wear her shoes. She had to wrap her foot in burlap, so she would be able to go into the field the next day. The Ramblets were known for their good butter. They always had more than they could use. The master wanted the slaves to have some, but the mistress wanted to sell it, she did not believe in giving good butter to slaves and always let it get strong before she would let them have any. No slaves from neighboring farms were allowed on the Ramblet farm, they would get whipped off as Mr. Ramblet did not want anyone to put ideas in his slave's heads. On special occasions, the older slaves were allowed to go to the church of their master, they had to sit in the back of the church, and take no part in the service. Louise was given two dresses a year; her old dress from last year, she wore as an underskirt. She never had a hat, always wore a rag tied over her head. Interviewer's Comment Mrs. Bracey is a widow and has a grandchild living with her. She feels |
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