WPA Federal Writers Project- slavery

Benjamin Henderson- born September 8 1858- Jasper County, Monticello, Georgia.

Benjamin stated that he was 'only seven years old when freedom was declared' and that he can 'remember a few facts' of his life living on the plantation. His father, Mr Sam Henderson, was actually the owner and master of the plantation he lived on and his mother was a slave his father owned. His father never married but had help with the plantation from his mother, Allie Henderson.

Benjamin's life on the plantation was very different to some due to the master of the plantation being less harsh on his slaves. He only owned five slaves to do the necessary work around the grounds and was considered a 'kind master' who 'hardly ever punished his slaves'. Benjamin states he can remember when he was given his first pair of shoes by his master at five years old and that during the spring and summer time, 'each family was free to eat as many of the different vegetables, as they wanted'. Even at Christmas, the slaves who 'asked for whiskey were given an ample amount'. This treatment that Mr Henderson was displaying towards Benjamin and the other slaves goes against the normal type of treatment most slaves endured from their masters.

Benjamin recalls a story about three confederate soldiers: 'I remember the day they rode up on their grey horses, to take dinner and say goodbye to the family. When they were ready to leave, their grandmother gave them an old testament and told them to take it and read it and make good soldiers of themselves. One son replied 'oh grandma it won't last long, we're going to bring back old Lincoln's head back and set it on the gate post for a target' but they didn't come back: all three were killed'.

This story shows us the background to which Benjamin was growing up and living in. In the South, slavery was a huge part of every day life and was the basis of making money for many families. The Civil War drastically changed the lives of many in the south, both black and white. Benjamin goes on to state that he believed 'he has lived long because he has lived a clean, useful life filled with plenty of hard work'. Benjamin's story as a slave is very different to many as he experienced many privileges many slaves did not get to come by but he was very well aware of the dangers other slaves faced from their masters. He heard of one slave owner who 'kept wristbands of iron, and also a gag made to fit into the mouth, and fastened around the neck, which prevented rolling while being whipped'.

Overall, Benjamin Henderson lead a very well and normal life as a slave, and thought it to be a good way to make a living for himself and his family. He was well looked after by his master, a very uncommon thing to happen, and was well respected by all who lived on the plantation.