A Sketch of the Life and Experiences of George White, a Colored Man, and Born a Slave - Written by Himself. - A Lesson to His Children.
Title
A Sketch of the Life and Experiences of George White, a Colored Man, and Born a Slave - Written by Himself. - A Lesson to His Children.
Subject
Slave narratives.
Description
An autobiographical letter about his life as a slave born in Maryland in 1790, where he was the property of Benjamin Burgess, and in Madison County, Kentucky, where he was the property of John White. He states that he had this autobiography written for him when he was a "very old man" in hopes that it would benefit his children and grandchildren as well as "all others, in lowly condition." He mentions that since obtaining his freedom, he has also been able to "purchase the several members of my family, who were born slaves."
[Note: Madison County: 200 Hundred Years in Retrospect, p.114, states that George White "a free man of color" set his children & servants free in 1850. The Madison County census for 1860 lists a George White (black) as being 70 years old and born in Maryland as well as another George White (black) as being 43 years old and born in Madison County.]
Transcript:
A Sketch of the life and experience of George White, a colored man, and born a Slave – written by himself – a lesson to his children
I was born in Maryland, about the year 1790, the property of a Mr. Benjamin Burgess, who died when I was 4 or 5 years of age, and my mother and I were sold to Mr. John White of Madison County, Ky. By that gentleman we were brought to said county as his slaves, where I have lived ever since. At 12 years of age I viewed myself as one of the poorest of the poor – a miserable waif. I had come into this world without nation or country, or a spot of land to place my foot upon that I could call my own – nay, my very head and body the property of another. But thank God my master was a high ___ied gentleman, and by marking out for myself a course of strict obedience, and observance of every duty to him and his family, as well as [unreadable] poor. I wore the confidence and regard of those by whom I was surrounded. My master and mistress were as kind to me as if I had been one of their own children, and never mistreated or abused me in any manner. I thus reaped the reward of faithfulness to duty, saw that the course of conduct I had adopted was both wise and beneficial, and resolved to persevere in well-doing, to strive for their interest, both night and day, and continue in the straight path of honesty and duty believing that Providence would smile upon and bless me even though I was a poor slave. There never was a time at any hour, day or night or on the 1st day of the week, when called upon, that I did not respond to the biddings of my master or mistress, or of their sons or daughters, and do their commands, if in my power.
Having witnessed the death of my mother at about 12 years of age and also my sister and brother, leaving me alone without a blood relation in the country, or perhaps on earth and believing that I should live but a short time myself, my soul was filled with gloom and sorrow. To add to those dismal thoughts my hopeless situation as a slave, with the yoke of bondage around my neck, under the laws of the country, never to be removed but by death, ground me to the earth as if a millstone were upon me, darkness all around and not a ray of hope to cheer my dreary future. I had thought of liberty, but how could I ever attain it? With too much pride of character, as well as gratitude to my earthly master and mistress for their kindness, to think of fleeing to a far off country: (indeed I felt as if I had rather endure everything, or die in my tracks, than to become a "runaway nigger,") my determination was to endure on to the end, and fill the requirements of my humble lot till I should be called to another and better world.
The choice I now know was the right one, for my pathway in life has not been altogether without blessings. I was greatly indulged by my master during his life-time, and also by the family, for which I hope that God will bless them now and forever.
I was most trusted by my master, and my service seemed to have impressed him so favorably, that years before his death, his determination was to provide for my freedom in his will. He was often heard to say, in his conversations about the servants, that "if George conducts himself as he has done, he shall never serve any man after my death." I thank my God that he opened my eyes and placed my feet in the right track, supporting me therein whilst pursuing my lowly pilgrimage. This is a part of my religion, and I believe before Him and His holy name, that it is good religion.
Notwithstanding it was the determination of my old master to free me at his decease, yet by putting it off from time to time and Death coming upon him before he had made the necissary [sic] provisions for my manumission, his good intentions were thereby defeated. I didn’t blame him, or any one of his heirs, who were willing to carry-out his wishes. Only one of them opposed it – he wanted his share of what I would sell for – and I had to be sold to gratify that heir's love of money. But him I freely forgive also, and I hope that his master will likewise forgive him in heaven! Two days before the departure of my good old master the family were all gone into breakfast, leaving me alone with him at his bedside. He asked me if I thought he would recover? I told him I did not know, but that there was hope as long as there was life. He then asked for Col. John Tribble (a son-in-law), who had written his will, and continued to ask for him anxiously. The next morning, about one or two o'clock, the colonel came, but the good old man was so far gone that he could only give him his hand without being able to say a word, - and soon after died.
When Col. Tribble was told of the frequent inquiries, the old gentleman had made for him, he said that "it was, no doubt, for the purpose of getting him to write an addition to his will manumitting George, because," said Col. T., "when I wrote his will he said that he wished to provide for George's freedom – would not have it put in the body of the will, but on a separate piece of paper, and as he felt too feeble then to proceed, he wished him to come the next day and write the free papers and enclose it in the will, with an injunction to have the provisions carried out by the heirs."
But alas! The cold hand of death came all to [sic] soon and prevented. I know that he died a gentleman of truth and honor, and hope and trust that the blessing above all price, is his in that happy land, where I trust to meet him, and may all his kith and kin, from generation to generation likewise realize the same priceless inheritance, is my fervent prayer.
After the death of my master, there being no provision for my freedom, as he intended, it of course required the consent of all the heirs or that intention could not be carried out, as before stated one of them opposed, and I had to be sold. My conduct had been such towards them that the hearts of all of them except that one had been softened in my favor. Still I had to be put upon the block with an understanding that one of them would bid for and purchase me with a view of giving me the privilege of paying a portion of the purchase money and getting my freedom, which agreement was honorably observed, and by this kindness and liberality, with God’s blessing, I was enabled to become a free man.
When upon the block, under the hammer of the Auctioneer, my young masters and mistresses stood around with tears streaming from their eyes, and the spectators were much concerned; but when the highest bid had been received, the sale closed, and it was announced that the purchaser had bid for me and that George was to have his freedom, it seemed to be good news to all and received with shouts of pleasure.
Since that time I have lived a life of honest industry and frugality, and striven to lay up a "little for a rainy day," in which effort my success has been greater than I could have hoped for. I now am possessed of a competence in worldly goods, having also been prosperous enough to purchase the several members of my family, who were born slaves, and am able now to leave them free and divide to each of them a good start in the world.
I am now a very old man and expect soon to try the realities of a future life, and have had this brief sketch written out for me that my beloved children and grand-children and all others, in lowly condition, who may chance to see it, may be benefitted by the lesson to be learnt from the humble life of "Free George." I think they may plainly see from it that no one, however humble or degraded in the scale of life he may be, that cannot, by energy and good conduct, and a firm reliance upon his Heavenly Master, in every time of need, finally triumph in a feeling of proud consciousness that he has acted well his part, and leaves behind him, as an inheritance to his children that which is of more value to him and them even than gold and lands – the character of an honest man.
[George White's will was written 25 Mar 1862 and probated 5 Apr 1875. Mitchell, Spicy, Sophia and Mary Ann are named as his children in this will. Mitchell married Susannah Pinkston 5 Feb 1862 and Sophia married Anderson Archer 26 Nov 1855.The only census that George appeared in was the 1870 and he was 80 years old. Also in his household were Betsy age 56 and Zack age 21.]
[Note: Madison County: 200 Hundred Years in Retrospect, p.114, states that George White "a free man of color" set his children & servants free in 1850. The Madison County census for 1860 lists a George White (black) as being 70 years old and born in Maryland as well as another George White (black) as being 43 years old and born in Madison County.]
Transcript:
A Sketch of the life and experience of George White, a colored man, and born a Slave – written by himself – a lesson to his children
I was born in Maryland, about the year 1790, the property of a Mr. Benjamin Burgess, who died when I was 4 or 5 years of age, and my mother and I were sold to Mr. John White of Madison County, Ky. By that gentleman we were brought to said county as his slaves, where I have lived ever since. At 12 years of age I viewed myself as one of the poorest of the poor – a miserable waif. I had come into this world without nation or country, or a spot of land to place my foot upon that I could call my own – nay, my very head and body the property of another. But thank God my master was a high ___ied gentleman, and by marking out for myself a course of strict obedience, and observance of every duty to him and his family, as well as [unreadable] poor. I wore the confidence and regard of those by whom I was surrounded. My master and mistress were as kind to me as if I had been one of their own children, and never mistreated or abused me in any manner. I thus reaped the reward of faithfulness to duty, saw that the course of conduct I had adopted was both wise and beneficial, and resolved to persevere in well-doing, to strive for their interest, both night and day, and continue in the straight path of honesty and duty believing that Providence would smile upon and bless me even though I was a poor slave. There never was a time at any hour, day or night or on the 1st day of the week, when called upon, that I did not respond to the biddings of my master or mistress, or of their sons or daughters, and do their commands, if in my power.
Having witnessed the death of my mother at about 12 years of age and also my sister and brother, leaving me alone without a blood relation in the country, or perhaps on earth and believing that I should live but a short time myself, my soul was filled with gloom and sorrow. To add to those dismal thoughts my hopeless situation as a slave, with the yoke of bondage around my neck, under the laws of the country, never to be removed but by death, ground me to the earth as if a millstone were upon me, darkness all around and not a ray of hope to cheer my dreary future. I had thought of liberty, but how could I ever attain it? With too much pride of character, as well as gratitude to my earthly master and mistress for their kindness, to think of fleeing to a far off country: (indeed I felt as if I had rather endure everything, or die in my tracks, than to become a "runaway nigger,") my determination was to endure on to the end, and fill the requirements of my humble lot till I should be called to another and better world.
The choice I now know was the right one, for my pathway in life has not been altogether without blessings. I was greatly indulged by my master during his life-time, and also by the family, for which I hope that God will bless them now and forever.
I was most trusted by my master, and my service seemed to have impressed him so favorably, that years before his death, his determination was to provide for my freedom in his will. He was often heard to say, in his conversations about the servants, that "if George conducts himself as he has done, he shall never serve any man after my death." I thank my God that he opened my eyes and placed my feet in the right track, supporting me therein whilst pursuing my lowly pilgrimage. This is a part of my religion, and I believe before Him and His holy name, that it is good religion.
Notwithstanding it was the determination of my old master to free me at his decease, yet by putting it off from time to time and Death coming upon him before he had made the necissary [sic] provisions for my manumission, his good intentions were thereby defeated. I didn’t blame him, or any one of his heirs, who were willing to carry-out his wishes. Only one of them opposed it – he wanted his share of what I would sell for – and I had to be sold to gratify that heir's love of money. But him I freely forgive also, and I hope that his master will likewise forgive him in heaven! Two days before the departure of my good old master the family were all gone into breakfast, leaving me alone with him at his bedside. He asked me if I thought he would recover? I told him I did not know, but that there was hope as long as there was life. He then asked for Col. John Tribble (a son-in-law), who had written his will, and continued to ask for him anxiously. The next morning, about one or two o'clock, the colonel came, but the good old man was so far gone that he could only give him his hand without being able to say a word, - and soon after died.
When Col. Tribble was told of the frequent inquiries, the old gentleman had made for him, he said that "it was, no doubt, for the purpose of getting him to write an addition to his will manumitting George, because," said Col. T., "when I wrote his will he said that he wished to provide for George's freedom – would not have it put in the body of the will, but on a separate piece of paper, and as he felt too feeble then to proceed, he wished him to come the next day and write the free papers and enclose it in the will, with an injunction to have the provisions carried out by the heirs."
But alas! The cold hand of death came all to [sic] soon and prevented. I know that he died a gentleman of truth and honor, and hope and trust that the blessing above all price, is his in that happy land, where I trust to meet him, and may all his kith and kin, from generation to generation likewise realize the same priceless inheritance, is my fervent prayer.
After the death of my master, there being no provision for my freedom, as he intended, it of course required the consent of all the heirs or that intention could not be carried out, as before stated one of them opposed, and I had to be sold. My conduct had been such towards them that the hearts of all of them except that one had been softened in my favor. Still I had to be put upon the block with an understanding that one of them would bid for and purchase me with a view of giving me the privilege of paying a portion of the purchase money and getting my freedom, which agreement was honorably observed, and by this kindness and liberality, with God’s blessing, I was enabled to become a free man.
When upon the block, under the hammer of the Auctioneer, my young masters and mistresses stood around with tears streaming from their eyes, and the spectators were much concerned; but when the highest bid had been received, the sale closed, and it was announced that the purchaser had bid for me and that George was to have his freedom, it seemed to be good news to all and received with shouts of pleasure.
Since that time I have lived a life of honest industry and frugality, and striven to lay up a "little for a rainy day," in which effort my success has been greater than I could have hoped for. I now am possessed of a competence in worldly goods, having also been prosperous enough to purchase the several members of my family, who were born slaves, and am able now to leave them free and divide to each of them a good start in the world.
I am now a very old man and expect soon to try the realities of a future life, and have had this brief sketch written out for me that my beloved children and grand-children and all others, in lowly condition, who may chance to see it, may be benefitted by the lesson to be learnt from the humble life of "Free George." I think they may plainly see from it that no one, however humble or degraded in the scale of life he may be, that cannot, by energy and good conduct, and a firm reliance upon his Heavenly Master, in every time of need, finally triumph in a feeling of proud consciousness that he has acted well his part, and leaves behind him, as an inheritance to his children that which is of more value to him and them even than gold and lands – the character of an honest man.
[George White's will was written 25 Mar 1862 and probated 5 Apr 1875. Mitchell, Spicy, Sophia and Mary Ann are named as his children in this will. Mitchell married Susannah Pinkston 5 Feb 1862 and Sophia married Anderson Archer 26 Nov 1855.The only census that George appeared in was the 1870 and he was 80 years old. Also in his household were Betsy age 56 and Zack age 21.]
Source
Major Family Papers
Date
ca. 1870
Rights
Contact Special Collections and Archives, Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University for reproductions, rights and permission to publish.
Format
personal narrative
Language
eng
Type
text
Identifier
0010-020-f2-i2
Collection
Tags
Other Media
Citation
“A Sketch of the Life and Experiences of George White, a Colored Man, and Born a Slave - Written by Himself. - A Lesson to His Children.,” Digital Collections, accessed December 8, 2019, https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/items/show/12840.