s
to the joists by their thumbs, whip them unmercifully, then salt their
backs to make them very sore.

When a slave slowed down on his corn hoeing, no matter if he were sick,
or just very tired, he would get many lashes and a salted back.

One woman left the plantation without a pass. The overseer caught her
and whipped her to death.

No slave was ever allowed to look at a book, for fear he might learn to
read. One day the old mistress caught a slave boy with a book, she
cursed him and asked him what he meant, and what he thought he could do
with a book. She said he looked like a black dog with a breast pin on,
and forbade him to ever look into a book again.

All slaves on the Coffer plantation were treated in a most inhuman
manner, scarcely having enough to eat, unless they would steal it,
running the risk of being caught and receiving a severe beating for the
theft.

Interviewer's Comment

Mrs. Butler lives with her daughters, has worked very hard in "her
days."

She has had to give up almost everything in the last few years, because
her eyesight has failed. However, she is very cheerful and enjoys
telling the "tales" her mother would tell her.

Submitted December 28, 1937
Indianapolis, Indiana

Ex-Slave Stories
5th District
Vandenburgh County
Lauana Creel

SLAVE STORY
JOSEPH WILLIAM CARTER

This information was gained through an interview with Joseph William
Carter and several of his daughters. The data was cheerfully given to
the writer. Joseph William Carter has lived a long and, he declares, a
happy life, although he was born and reared in bondage. His pleasing
personality has always made his lot an easy one and his yoke seemed easy
to wear.

Joseph William Carter was born prior to the year 1836. His mother,
Malvina Gardner was a slave in the home of Mr. Gardner until a man named
D.B. Smith saw her and noticing the physical perfection of the child at
once purchased her from her master.

Malvina was agrieved at being compelled to leave her old home, and her
lovely young mistress. Puss Gardner was fond of the little mullato girl
and had taught her to be a useful member of the Gardner family; however,
she was sold to Mr. Smith and was compelled to accompany him to his
home.

Both the Gardner and Smith families lived near Gallatin, Tennessee, in
Sumner County. The Smith plantation was situated on the Cumberland River
and commanded a beautiful view of river and valley acres but Malvin