"I worked in the house and in the field. I had plenty chances to go to
school but I didn't have no sense.

"My mother was sold to nigger traders and I never did see her again. I
always say I never had no mother, and I never did know who my father
was.

"I've worked hard since I got to be a women. I never been the mother of
but three childun. Me and my boy stay together.

"I had a happy time when I lived with Miss Jane, but I been workin' ever
since."




Interviewer: Mrs. Bernice Bowden
Person interviewed: Charlie Davis
100 North Plum, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Age: 76


"They said I was born in 1862, the second day of March, in Little Rock.

"I 'member the War. I 'member the bluecoats. I knowed they was fightin'
but I didn't know what about.

"My old master was killed in the War. I don't know his name, I just
heered 'em call him old master.