We Are Five: The Five Generations of Wanda Jean Lowery

By Wanda J. Lowery

Fascinating events told to a young girl by her father in the early 1900s. Her father told her, "Remember my words, and never forget what I have told you. I want you to pass these words on to your children's children so they know our struggle, but more importantly, they need to know where they come from." At that moment, history had been entrusted to his youngest daughter, Georgia, to ensure the words spoken by her father about the struggles of life, but most important, how they overcame, the struggles that would never be forgotten. The historical events that you are about to read will give you a deeper understanding of every generation to come. The memories of Georgia's father and how his family endured the ongoing struggles that were nonstop and never-ending was an ongoing battle that hindered Black people, generation after generation and continued into the early 1900s, long after his death, Georgia's father lived to see the end of slavery.

It was February, the year thought to be about 1830, a child is born. The child is given the name Jenny Monroe. This beautiful little girl is born into a world of hate and abuse there has been enslavement for over two hundred years. This child is given a mission, a mission that has to be accomplished. Jenny Monroe is sold to John Franklin's plantation on February 12, 1833. The beginning of Jenny's suffering, the abuse, and ongoing mental mistreatment by her new master, John Franklin. Jenny had been on the Franklin plantation for five years when she becomes pregnant by him at the age of 15. It wasn't until later that Jenny meets a handsome young man, whose given name is Jim Franklin. Jim and Jenny are later allowed to marry, and eventually, their child is born. The birth of this child is the beginning of a historic future, a future for all generations to come. They too will also experience mental and physical abuse, hate, and mistreatment, but through it all, the strength of this family will conquer. The Franklins gain freedom and pose a desire to teach their children that all things are possible, through strong will, motivation, and determination. It is with these tools you will gain strength to conquer every one of your dreams and help every generation accomplish and obtain their dreams.

Do you believe in dreams? Do dreams really come true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781684981403

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Dedication

Author's Note

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter 1: The Beginning We Are Five

Chapter 2: 1853–1864

Chapter 3: Respect, What Does It Mean?

Chapter 4: No One of Color Will Be Educated

Chapter 5: A Franklin Way of Life

Chapter 6: Physically, Mentally, and Sexually Abused Because I Can!

Chapter 7: Auctioning of Humans

Chapter 8: It Finally Comes Freedom!

Chapter 9: The Building of Freedom

Chapter 10: Much More to Gain

Chapter 11: Sometimes the Wind Must Blow!

Chapter 12: Real Friendship Matters

Chapter 13: Reading and Writing

Chapter 14: A New Birth!

Chapter 15: Build for the Future Jim, Jenny, Bud, and Ida Mae

Chapter 16: Great Workmanship Trust and Kindness!

Chapter 17: Some Things Never Change

Chapter 18: Such a New Life?

Chapter 19: The Naming of Another Generation

Chapter 20: Where Are the Good Times?

Chapter 21: The Making of a Rose

Chapter 22: Purchased the Price of Freedom Samuel Cap Stallenger Begins a New Life

Chapter 23: The Spirit of Lust

Chapter 24: Legacy Left Behind

Chapter 25: A Family Divided

Chapter 26: Life We Made It!

Chapter 27: Ungrateful

Chapter 28: She Was an Amazing Woman

Chapter 29: A Sad Day Daughter, Wife, and Mother

Chapter 30: The Beginning of an Amazing Mother's Life, My Mother's

Chapter 31: Giving Birth The Facts

Chapter 32: New and Different Times

Chapter 33: The Murphys Grow!

Chapter 34: My Mother the Fourth Generation of The Soon We are Five

Chapter 35: The Murphy Family Continues to Be Blessed

Chapter 36: Why Boise, Idaho? The Move Northwest

Chapter 37: We Are Five The Five Generations

About the Author

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We Are Five

The Five Generations of Wanda Jean Lowery

Wanda J. Lowery

Copyright © 2023 Wanda J. Lowery

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 978-1-68498-139-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68498-140-3 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

D

edication

To the loved ones who said, You can do it, Wanda, and I did, here it is—I did do it. We Are Five has truly fulfilled a great need which I had to accomplish and I've filled that need.

I hope it proves as interesting to you, as it has me, in the writing to develop this epic for you. Believe me, it was not only a trial at times, but a desired one, that had to be accomplished—the birth of a dream come true.

I owe the entire accomplished dream to my beloved and understanding family. I love each one of you for all the inspiration, motivation, and drive you gave me to complete my novel, We Are Five.

Much love and appreciation,

Wanda Jean Lowery,

January 12, 1982

Actual finished writing date

*****

Dedication of the finished manuscript, submitted this twenty-first day of September 2019, to the following loved ones:

A special dedication to three very special loved ones!

Anthony Z. Wright

Kim I. Maddox

Monique Z. Vereen/Wright

Their words with an extra special push several months ago:

Wanda, you can do it! When will you be done?

Grandma, you can do it! Are you done yet?

Wanda, when are you going to get that book done, is it ready for print yet?

I love you all sincerely. God bless you, and thank you for that extra push, it truly meant a lot and certainly gave me the extra push needed at times to reach my goal.

*****

I therefore wish to dedicate the entire novel to my deceased grandmother, Georgia Beatrice Stallenger/Northrup, and my beloved mother, Ruth Mae Murphy/Maddox, without both of them, it would have been impossible in more ways than one to complete this novel.

Author's Note

It is important to me that my family knows we are a strong generation of people, not just ordinary people, but an educated family, with many gifts, and we are truly blessed beyond measure to have come from such a strong, enduring generation of warriors. It is imperative that my family realize, we can do whatever it is, if we put our minds to it!

Therefore, read this book and let it have some reflection on you and your family's history, knowing what they may have made it through, in order to make it where you are today.

Those that may be living and those that have passed, know that we have all had a great life, and I wouldn't change any part of it for anything in this world.

God bless all of those who read here.

History of the Writer

I have always had a passion to write, from letters, to poetry, and finally this epic novel of my family tree and Black American History. I have spent hours writing poetry and putting heart-felt passion into words that came to life. However, this was not to be the final venture in my life. It was then that I decided to write this novel.

My writing has fallen into many different categories, I have written articles for BAAC Talk Magazine and other short stories. Gaining helpful insight from other authors/writers, such as Gino Skye. I've brought forth this novel to share with the world an understanding. To help create a historical epic to educate future generations. Giving them the opportunity to have a better understanding of us as people, not only by the color of our skin, but by our character.

We Are Five will enlighten my grandchildren, and those generations to come, regarding the facts and actual events of the struggles that Black Americans endured and continue to encounter daily.

It is with love and sincere appreciation to all the loved ones who helped make We Are Five possible. I ask that God's many blessings are bestowed upon them.

To all who have passed in death, Georgia Beatrice Northrup, my loving and kind grandmother; Ruth Mae Maddox, my loving and kind mother; Kim Iola Maddox, my kind, caring sister; and Wallace Maddox Junior, my kind and loving only brother.

They will always be in my heart and will truly be missed with the regret that they were not able to read this challenging epic that so much includes their lives in America. God bless my loved ones, and may their souls continue to rest in peace, in Jesus's Name, Amen!

Acknowledgments

I owe so much appreciation to all my loved ones who helped the writing of this novel possible. I would first like to take time to dedicate the entire novel to our beloved mother, Ruth Mae Maddox (Murphy); without her, I would not have been here, and to her mother Georgia Beatrice (Stallenger) Northrup, my loving and dear to my heart grandmother. She supplied complete and thorough information regarding the family, as far back as the memories that could be reflected by my loved grandmother's mind and thoughts could retrieve.

I would like to thank my beloved mother, Ruth Mae Eva Murphy, Maddox, who passed in 2005 for encouraging me to write it so many years ago. I owe gratitude to my three lovely sisters: Yvonne Carol Lowery/Johnson, Gloria Lee Maddox/Brown, and a special thank-you to Kim Iola Maddox, who passed in 2008. Kim stayed up just as many hours as me to help me research my novel. I would like to thank my only brother, Wallace Maddox Junior, now deceased, 2010, for his concern and many questions as to why I was writing such a novel.

With deep thoughtfulness to my two lovely daughters, Lutisha Vonceal Lowery/Vereen/Goebel and LaMeca Deyeze Vereen-Wright/Vereen, who never really understood the work involved in research and writing. I owe deep appreciation to Mr. Gino Sky; without his expertise, I would still be trying to publish my novel. There are so many others to who I owe appreciation to; it would take almost another novel to complete their names in appreciation. I want to thank each and every one of them individually and altogether, those living and those deceased, as they know it is in me to complete and accomplish my every goal and ambition.

The Beginning

Grandmother—Georgia B. Northrup (Stallenger)

In the cool of a summer afternoon, my grandmother, Georgia Beatrice Northrup (Stallenger), started an evening conversation about her family of many years gone by and their struggles in life. She began to tell me stories her father had told her. He also asked her to always remember what he was telling her and never forget the words he spoke. He told her to be sure to continue passing every one of the stories on to the next generation.

At that time, I would have been in my early twenties and have often felt my grandmother trusted our family history on to me to make sure I, too, would share the stories of life on to the next living relative in order to let each generation know about her father's life, his father's life and Georgia, hoping that her life would be much different with change. Her father knew she would have struggles in life, and that life's challenges would affect her and her family, but it is important always, remember, endure, believe, and strive for what you want, and they too would make it through.

That was the very moment, I decided to write everything she told me down on paper. What you will read in We Are Five is an accurate, factual account of what her memory brought forth, as she recounted her family's life of events, which occurred long before her birth. When she said to me, Put this in a book, because everybody needs to know, I told her, I would. Here I am, four generations later, sharing my family history, as it was given to me by my grandmother, as she told me about her family's history.

Preface

1830

Osceola, Missouri

We Are Five is a one-sided maternal family story of Black Ancestral History, during the time of slavery, freedmen, and eventually freedom as it was called in the early 1800s through an ancestral win of their struggle in the mid-1940s.

We Are Five shares stories that were shared by many past family members who told these same stories to other younger ancestors, who again shared the same stories to other family members, each generation passing the factual stories on to the next family, so that ancestors could share their stories of survival. Each generation often shared the same ongoing, brutal, violent accounts of how they were able to endure the brutality, losing their children, family and friends being hung, violent rapes, the many generational years of slavery they were able to endure, including Slaved Freedom once slaves were emancipated.

Those ancestors who were still living were given an opportunity, what white man called freedom from slavery. Each account that is written in We Are Five are memories that were shared, through the eyes of past ancestors, who shared their stories to the next generation, until the last living relative, many generations later, was able to share the accounts of previous generational Black History to me, the next generation. It was then that I was passed the torch to share the tragic yet factual events of their lives. I was given an assignment; it was, Write this down and I did. We Are Five took four years to write, but a total of thirty-seven years to get it published. It is with great anticipation to have this informative Black History novel published to enlighten my family, to share with them where they came from, the struggle yet profound determination that our ancestors had within them to fight through it all and conquered.

My ancestors proved to have been a strong race of people with a gift of endurance and perseverance; this same gift was given to my grandmother, Georgia Stallenger. She too suffered the hatred of whites, the discrimination challenges, violence, mistreatment, and family struggles in order to survive, yet she made it.

Unfortunately, the paternal side and their historic achievements are unknown.

My hope in writing We Are Five proves to be interesting to you, as it has been to me, writing down the memorized events provided to me by my grandmother.

During February 1830, a child is born. She is given the name Jenny Monroe. Being born into a world where there has been enslavement of Blacks for three centuries. Jenny Monroe was sold to John Franklin's plantation on February 12. At this time, she suffers abuse and is ravishingly defiled by John Franklin, her white master. Jenny becomes pregnant with John Franklin's child, five years later, at the age of fifteen. Eventually, she meets a young man, who also lives on Franklin's Plantation, whose slave name is Jim Franklin. Several years later, they are allowed to marry, and another lovely child is born. This is just the beginning of historic years and generations yet to come.

Jenny Franklin becomes my great-great-great-great-grandmother. I, Wanda Jean Lowery, am the fourth generation of Jenny Franklin. The information given to me to write We Are Five has taken me to Osceola, Missouri, during the early 1800s and ending in Boise, Idaho, in the early 1900s. Many meaningful hours, effort, and research was spent reviewing and writing my family's one-sided historic life's events that occurred and designed their lives.

We Are Five proved to be interesting to me, as well as my loved ones. Writing We Are Five allowed me to conclude the actual facts of who we are, where we came from, and knowing our past ancestors, whose struggles, strength, and determination made the writing of this novel imperative to read and understand. We Are Five will allow other generations to one day pick the novel up and read the true accounts of where they came from.

All information written is based on true, factual events, as told by my grandmother, Georgia Beatrice Stallenger-Northrup.

A loving, caring, and strong mother, Ruth Mae Murphy, had five very intelligent, remarkable children: Yvonne, Wanda, Gloria, Wallace, and Kim. All who were born in Boise, Idaho, with the exception of myself, I was born in Berkeley, California.

However, raised in Boise during the mid-'50s, '60s, '70s, and permanently moving from Idaho in the late '80s.

While growing up in Boise, all of the siblings developed a strong academic background in higher learning, and each one went on to accomplish great things as adults. Two of us went on to become mothers and, eventually, grandmothers. I found that being a grandmother was one of the best things that had ever happened in my life, and I've had many great things to happen.

The day I walked across Boise High School's auditorium (which seems not so long ago) to receive my high school diploma, in recognition of my completion and accomplishments, to meet all requirements one must have in order to receive their high school diploma, I was truly satisfied. I had met the mark and had done so without an educational struggle. To this day, I have continued accomplishing and furthering my education, dreams, and goals.

The writing of the epic novel is the next best thing that I have accomplished in my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have written We Are Five and have it published. In doing so, the novel will not only educate my grandchildren of their African American history and their ancestors' historical struggle, it will help to educate other men, women, and children as well. Education and knowledge are the most powerful weapon we as human beings could ever have. My hope is, one day, it will bring a change through mere understanding. Who could ask for anything more?

Even though being raised in Boise, Idaho, with a very small percentage of Black American, families and less than equal opportunities and never equal treatment, there was nothing on earth that could stop me from reaching for the stars, accomplishing and acquiring each and every one of my dreams, wants, hopes, and wishes. My personal struggle was not only discrimination, because of the color of your skin, but yet a more personal struggle, watching Blacks in Boise being against themselves, other Blacks; every one of us struggled daily, fighting for the same thing, equality. I found myself confused because of the hatred Black people had for one another. Even though the struggle was real, the struggle was felt, the struggle was ongoing, the struggle was daily. This very struggle gave me inspiration and showed me and many others like me, you can accomplish anything you want, if you are willing to put your mind to it, and achieve it.

Thank you, Mother, for such a wonderful life and an amazing life's lesson!

With great respect, honor, and appreciation, I do hereby give to my loving, kind, and informative grandmother, Georgia Beatrice Stallenger-Murphy—may she rest in eternal peace.

With great respect, honor, and appreciation, I do hereby give to my wonderful, sweet, caring mother, Ruth Mae Murphy-Maddox—may she rest in eternal peace.

In honor of Wallace Maddox Junior, my loving and kind baby brother—may he rest in eternal peace.

And finally…

In honor of Kim Iola Maddox, my gentle, loving, and kind baby sister—may she rest in eternal peace.

Chapter 1

The Beginning We Are Five

We Are Five

Samuel and Lucy Franklin

1828

Nashville, Tennessee

During the warm cool breeze of the day, several slaves were working hard in the fields. In rolled a horse drawing a wooden cart behind it. The wagon was driven by an older Black man who looked to be in his late fifties. Beside him sat Master Herring, the owner of the plantation.

They's bring-ri moor niggers here, Samuel said to Buck who was standing beside him. I's wonder where they's gonna sleep, the stables and barns be full. They's barely got noug food ta feed us, let 'lone a cart full of moor niggers.

Once the wagon came to a stop in the middle of the dirty road, the slaves were told to unload.

Y'all knows a funny thang 'bout these here niggers? They's ain't chained ta-gether like the first load a niggers Massa brings here.

The slaves were shown where to go and told to go directly to work. Some of them were put in the field, others were sent to the barn, the blacksmith shop, others were told to chop trees to clear the grounds, and a few bright-skinned ladies were put in the main house kitchen.

Buck, we's never gonna be free, we's gonna stay right on Massa's place ta tend it most our lives till they places us up yonder on that death hill wit' the rest deem dere dead niggers. They say when Mama die, she laid in that bed for seven days tryin' ta birth me. They's didn't know what ta do. They's tell me her name Connie, but they's really doesn't know what ta thank. She be dead fourteen years now. I's never know'd my mama.

Sam was interrupted by Massa Herring. Samuel, goes up to the stable and wash them horses down good. They's down come all the way from Jefferson City, Mr. Poll's plantation. So if in you please do that rit now.

Samuel walked off to the stable where he saw Buck fall down to his knees, as he hung on to Master Herring's hand. He didn't know why, but he'd soon find out. The evening grew old, when finally Samuel drifted off to sleep. Buck slammed the door to his shack as he walked slowly, with his head bent down low to the ground where he slept.

What the matter wit' ya, Buck?

I's fest doesn't want ta talk 'bout it, Sam, I's really doesn't.

Buck, Sam said, why's you on your knees ta master, why?

Buck said, Why's? I's don't know what be goin' on.

Is somethin' the matter, Buck? Buck, if in you doesn't tells me after all these years we's been here ta-gether, it show our manship really doesn't matter no more.

Buck began to explain. Sammy, let's walk out dere under the stars. I's jest really needs ta walk.

As Samuel stumbled to his feet, he saw Buck drop his head in deep sorrow. His heart was in grave pain. They walked out the shack door and headed toward the river, the evening was beautiful, it was pure. They could hear the flow of the creek rushing slowly downstream. How soothing it was. Samuel stuck his hands in the pockets of his ripped coveralls, it was time to talk, time to get answers.

Tell me, Buck, maybe I's can help you.

No, Sam, I's don't thank you's can help less-in you's be sick and you's got-ta be white. Sere, Sam, let me give you this-A-here bag.

Samuel took the bag, opened it, and glared inside; the bag contained money. The value to be about $30, as near as they could figure. (Thirty dollars in the year of 1856 would be about $800-plus dollars in today's value.)

Buck, where, where you get this much money? Don't you know if Massa knowed 'bout this here money, you's be whipped for stealin'?

Sam, I's does, but this why I's given it ta you, I's leavin in the mornin'. Massa gonna see me off to somebody plantation.

What! Samuel screamed.

He gonna sell me ta a man down someplace in Tennessee. Massa say this man need somebody strong like I is. I's show don't know why, but I's got ta go ta-morrow.

I's sorry, Samuel said. They sell us like animals. What we gonna do?

They started back to the shack for the evening, maybe they would be able to figure something out. Just anything that would help Buck be able to stay on the plantation where he belonged. Samuel had forgotten all about the money Buck had given to him. He took the money and securely stuck it in his back pocket just as deep as he possible could.

Buck, where ya get this money from?

Sammy, I's find that money by the main house steps lay-in under the step. I's guess Massa dropped it. I's done had it for bout, I's done know, years, I's guess. So I's jest kept it. Sammy, I's want ya to save it now, jest like I's done. One dese days we's all gonna be free, you's to young ta see it rit now, but one day we's all will.

The moon was shining brightly upon their dark faces. It was perfectly glowing and was brightening up the entire plantation. Samuel stopped dead in his tracks.

Buck, you's know what— He had tears in his eyes. You's raised me, Buck, ever since Mama died. I's don't know what I's gonna do wit-out ya here with me.

By this time, Samuel was crying.

Sammy, Buck said, I needs ya ta listen. We's gonna see each other again one dese days. We's gonna always be ta-gether. If in it be's in our dreams, but we's gonna be there together.

Samuel couldn't stand it any longer. He broke down completely. Buck touched him on the shoulder. Sammy, you's grown and grown men show don't cry. When we's grow-up, we's leave the cry-in behind, for we's grown now. I's might be twenty years older you, I's guess, but cry-in for babies and women, Buck.

Samuel began to laugh and cry at the same time. You's right, Buck.

They entered the shack, sat down looking at one another. Sammy, we's better go to sleep, ta-morrow will be another day.

Samuel crawled to the place where he slept, tucked both arms under his armpits, glanced up at Buck, smiled, and went to sleep. Samuel was awakened by the rooster crowing at the break of dawn. The sun was already beaming brightly through the cracks on his face. He jumped up immediately, looking around.

Buck, where's Buck? he said out loud. Oh, Buck, why ya leave and not say goodbye, why's did you?

Samuel began to cry. Samuel loved Buck deeply. He thought of Buck as his father. Now Buck was gone, never to be seen again. He hoped to see Buck again, but he knew it wasn't possible. Samuel put both his hands in his pockets, trying to find something to clean his face with. Instead, he pulled out the bag of money.

Oh, I's better hide this-A-here money so Massa don't find it. If he finds it, I's show-nouf gonna be in trouble.

Samuel got down on his knees and began digging a hole in the dirt floor with his hands. He dug the hole until it was the size he needed. He kissed the bag and placed it in the hole, covering it quickly with dirt. Once filled, he patted it flat over and over again until the earth was smooth. He stood to his feet, dusted his pants and hands free of dirt, and walked out the door. Samuel's work was almost complete when Master Herring walked up to him.

Samuel, he called.

Yes, sir, Massa, sir.

I's want cha ta ride ta town in the mornin'. I's have ta go speak wit' the town man and pick out some more niggers they's jest shipped here.

Yes, sir, Massa, sir.

Samuel watched Master walk out and toward the house. Samuel was excited that he'd be going to town; after all, he hadn't gone to town for seven years, and he couldn't wait to go. That afternoon, the slaves gathered around a huge black pot that had been cooking in the yard. Inside this pot would be all of their dinner for the evening. It was their time for their dinner straight from the field after hearing the ringing of a bell; if they didn't hear the bell, they would not eat until the next morning or the next meal would be. Served tin plates were passed out to them, they already knew to form a line and followed each other in single file as slop was thrown on their plates. Jack walked up with his plate in hand to get his food. His hands looked like they had not been washed for years. His fingers were cracked and blistered with a pus substance seeping from the bumps. Slaves did not use forks and spoons for fear the silverware would be used as a homemade weapon.

What's this we's havin', Maggie? Jack questioned.

Jest some fat back and beans, she replied, loading his plate with the substance.

He walked over to a tire and sat underneath it, beginning to use his blistered fingers to eat with, as the sun was extremely hot on Jack's bald dark head. Samuel walked up and sat down beside him, edging more toward the shade trees.

Jack, ya know Massa sold Buck off this mornin?

No, Sammy, I's show didn't. I's know I's didn't see Buck workin', dis mornin'. I's jest figured Massa had him doin' some-in else ta-day.

I's really gonna be lonely without Buck to be wit' me.

I's know, Sammy, I's had a good friend, they hanged him down by the old mill. That man raised me up from a chil, I's never knowed my mama. All I's remember was Bill. He feed me, dressed me, and teached me everythin' I's knowed 'bout life. Sammy, they said Bill steal some of Ms. Whitefield's chicken's and was cookin' them down by the river bank. The slave hunters finds my Bill, roped him up by his neck, they's hanged my Bill. Massa went ta take him down, his eyes had done been burnt out, his neck was cut from ear to ear by the tight rope they put round it. When I's see Bill, I's didn't know who he was. I's wasn't good ta work no more that day, but I's had cause Massa said if I's don't he sell me too. They's buried Bill up on the hill, next to his wife what was left of him. Let me tell ya, one day you's gonna for sure your Buck again.

He's promised I see him again, Samuel said. I's show hope I does.

When they finished their supper, they walked back to the place they were assigned to work. Samuel was walking toward the barn when he spotted several white men, with several beautiful bright-skinned Black women. They were taking these women to the stable. Samuel stood there watching until the stable door was closed. He walked to his quarters where he knew he belonged. Evening had come already, the stars were shining brightly overhead.

Oh, Lord, oh Lord, will I's ever be free, free to be a man you's made me to be, ta have a wife, have chil-len, have a place of mine owns. Lord-Lord-Lord.

Just then, Jack walked up to Samuel. Jack put his hand on Samuel's back.

Why ain't you in bed, it's gettin' late. Ta-morrow be here for you's knows it and it show gonna be a long day.

I's knows it is, Sammy replied. I's gonna go soon, but I's see all these white men take these slave women to the stables, and push um in there. Why, Jack, why does our women go through this, why?

"Sammy, they's make um wit' chil and sell the baby off when they's old nouf. Whatever Massa say do, they does, it's up ta Massa.

Another Year

The Beginning of Samuel and Lucy

Well, Samuel really tried showing off now. Get up there, horses. Lucy watched until the wagon had fallen from sight. Master Herring and Samuel returned that evening with the wagon filled with supplies. Samuel was ordered to unload the wagon and put the supplies in the storage shed. As Samuel walked to the shed, he heard a psst-psst noise. He turned to see the beautiful girl he had seen earlier that day when he was leaving for town. He walked toward her; she gave him a big smile, showing her perfect white teeth.

I's seen you this mornin' while you's was leavin. I's wonder what you's named?

My name is Samuel, Samuel Stallenger.

Mines be Lucy, Lucy Murphy.

It be nice ta meet your acquaintance, Samuel said.

I's been watchin' ya, Samuel, for a few days now. Does they call you Samuel?

No, they's call me Sammy most times.

Well, Sammy, I's glad I's got ta meet you's.

Maybe after we's do our work we's can maybe take a walk?

Yes, we's show can. I's meet ya here on ta-mar-row night, Lucy whispered, walking toward her shack.

Samuel stood watching her until she disappeared from sight. Samuel thought as he unloaded the supplies inside the shed. Sure, he said, she sure is pretty, I'm gonna met her tomorrow night, and we gonna fall in love. She may even be my wife, she is lovely. He walked toward the shack where he met Jack who was walking in the opposite direction.

Hello there, Jack, Sam called.

Oh, hello there, Sam. Where you been today? Jack said smiling.

I been in town with Master, we went to pick up supplies.

I'm just heading to the shack. I got lots to do tomorrow.

I know what you mean, Jack, Samuel called. I meet this girl today.

Oh, really, Jack said, looking dewishly. What her name, Samuel, you know what they call her? Jack questioned.

Lucy, Lucy Murphy. She pretty, Jack, her so pretty. Her skin, teeth, smile. Everything about her.

Where you meet her? Jack asked.

I see her yesterday when I was leaving out. Then when I come in tonight, she was waiting for me by the shed. We gonna meet tomorrow evening, to take a walk down by the river. You know, Jack, I soon to be eighteen years old soon I figure eighteen from what they tell me. I still plan on getting me one them women. I'm still a young man yet. And I want to have me a woman.

Yes, son, you may as well, 'cause if you die, well, you better, 'cause you get one chance, and one chance only.

You right, Samuel responded. You so right.

Well, Sammy, I better get long now. Things got to be done in the morning.

The two men walked their separate way after bidding each other a good night. Samuel was wakened by the horses' hooves beating the ground. The sun was barely coming over the mountain tops.

Shucks, I better get up, for the start wondering where I'm at. Samuel pulled his clothes upon himself and walked from the shack.

Samuel didn't see a slave anywhere. Where was everybody? he thought. Freedom done come and nobody tell me, he shouted, laughing to himself.

Just then, he saw all the slaves standing around the front porch. He walked closer to where everyone stood. There she stood, it was Lucy standing among the others. He walked up behind Lucy, placing his hand on her rear end, as she turned in surprise to see Samuel. She smiled up at him, saying hello.

Listen, all you, Master Herring continued saying. There's an escape trail they call the Underground Railroad, and they's helping Blacks escape up north. Now if in you's decide to jest pack up and leaves, you's better believes I's a find you's, and when I's finished wit' y'alls Black backs, there will be nothin' lef of it. For you's will be beat till you's dead. Now's I's done said all I's gonna say, so gets to work.

Lucy turned to Samuel. Good morin, Sammy.

Mornin', Lucy. When'd Master call everyone here?

Jest a few minutes ago.

Well, no one's told me 'bout it. I's didn't hear his callin'.

That jest shows you's was too tired to wake. He ranged the bell many times.

I's thought the bell was horses ridin' up. Oh wells, it jest good Massa didn't notice me not here. I's see you's tonight, Lucy. I's better go ta work now, Massa pretty mad 'bout that underground, whatever he say it be called.

Okay, Sammy, I's see you's by the shed when it grow dark.

Samuel walked off to his work, as did Lucy. When it began to grow dark, Samuel started gathering up his tools and walked toward his shack. He entered, walked over to the pail, washed his hands and face free from dust. He stood straight, looked down at his pants, knocked the dirt off, mashed his hair in shape, and walked out the shack. As Samuel walked, he began to think what he was going to say to Lucy. Maybe he wouldn't have to say much of anything, maybe she wanted the same thing.

Oh, shit, he said. I's jest won't worry 'bout it. If in she do or doesn't.

Samuel reached the shed where Lucy was awaiting. Samuel rushed to her side and gave her a passionate hug.

Well's, where does ya want ta walk?

Oh, let's go down by de river, it's so nice down there.

They walked off toward the river, arm in arm. When they arrived at the river, they could hear the chirping of the birds, could see the fish jumping in and out of the pond, and bullfrogs croaking.

Samuel turned around and pat down upon the ground. Lucy sat beside him.

Tells me abouts yous, Lucy. Where's yous from, who your folks is?

My folks got sold off 'bout four years back. I's doesn't know where I's from. I's jest member this here place, most all my life. What 'bout you's, Sammy?

Well's my momma dead, papa got sold off to nother plantation, I's raised here by Buck. He got sold off too.

Lucy wrapped her arms around Samuel and gave him a kiss directly to his lips. Samuel kissed her back. Samuel pulled her to the ground and started removing her clothes, then his. They made passionate love underneath the stars and upon the warm dust-scented earth. Lucy lifted her body to a sitting position and started to get dressed. Samuel ran his hand up her back. He felt cuts, deep cuts which had healed over.

What happen, Lucy?

Oh, Massa had me beat.

Why's Lucy?

I's beat his wife wit' a stick, 'cause she calls me nigger and spit in my face. I's started beatin' her wit' the stick until I's draw blood from her body, Massa had me beat till I's doesn't member nothin'.

Wells, Lucy, everythin' all right wit' ya and Massa now?

Yes, ever since Massa wife dead, he not bother me no moor. I's glad Lucy he doesn't bother yo's no moor.

Samuel rubbed his hand across Lucy's back.

You's better get dressed, for we's hab ta get go-in. Master be lookin' for us.

Lucy and Samuel got dressed and walked back toward their shacks. He walked Lucy over to her shack, told her good night, and walked away. As he walked toward his shack, he heard a low whisper calling him. He looked up to see Bill. Bill was calling him in a very low voice. Samuel walked over to Bill and greeted him, Yes, Bill, you calling me.

I'm fix-in to run away from here. I'm going to go to the underground railroad, he confided. You want to come with me?

No, Bill, Samuel said, you shouldn't go. You hear what Master was saying. You hear what he's gonna do to us, you better just stay, Bill. There ain't no place for no nigger to run. They will catch you, Bill. Then they gonna kill you. You don't know nothing 'bout no underground railroad. They could be foolin' niggers to think they being free. Don't be no fool, Bill. Use your sense, Bill.

No, Sammy, I'm gonna go. I just don't want to work for no more white folk. I don't care no more. If I makes it, I makes it. If-in don't, I don't, all they can do is kill me. They can try, I'm gonna be one fighting nigger for my freedom, believe me, I'm gonna make them white folk kill me, but for I go, I'm taken as many as I can take with me, right on to death.

The Underground Railroad

1830

From the 1790s through the 1860s, a network of secret routes was established to help African American slaves gain their freedom. Safely.

The safe passages for slaves using the Underground Railroad system were provided with safe houses, a network of established secret routes, and secret transportation helping them make it safely to free states, including Canada and Nova Scotia.

The white American helpers were known as allies and abolitionists who were sympathetic to the unjust treatment of African American bondage. They were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice helping slaves gain freedom.

*****

Bill, I's wish you luck, but I's gonna stay here wit' my gal. I's find me a gal now and we's gonna try and have somethin.

I's glad to hear you's got a woman. I's had a woman, they's kill her. She was wit' Massa chil and she die after two babies was born. The babies die too. Massa didn't care nothin' 'bout it, that's why Massa is gonna die and goes to hell. He's kill my Alice, I's have no more feelins for any gal, maybe when I's get free I's will find me a woman. She will be mines, not Massa's.

Be careful Bill, does ya have food wit' ya? Which way ya headin'?

I's goin' north, Bill replied. There's a woman, she gonna meet me, den take me to the Underground Railroad, I's be careful, Sammy. You's take care yourself, Sammy, maybe I's see you again one des days.

Bye, Samuel whispered, I's hope ta see ya again.

Bill ran off through the trees and soon disappeared from sight into the bushes. Bill was leaving white man's country, so he thought he was making his way to freedom. Samuel walked to his shack, shut his door, and sat down in the corner of his lonely hut.

Looking down at the ground, Samuel saw a small ant scurrying away. Little ant, you's a free thang and got more freedom than I's got. You's free, I's not. One des days I's gonna be free, I's gonna have me somethin' of my owns, as the ant disappeared through a small crack in the ground. Samuel lay down and began thinking about the beautiful girl he had met. Samuel knew she was going to be his. He thought and thought about Lucy. She was pretty, kind… Samuel's thoughts were interrupted by eight taps on his door. Tap, tap, tap again. Samuel was tired, all he wanted to do was lie and not move. He only wanted to think of Lucy and nothing else. Samuel decided to see who was at his door. Slowly, he got up and opened the shack door, and to his surprise, it was Lucy.

Did I's wake you, Sammy? she questioned.

Oh no, come in. Samuel had just seen Lucy minutes ago.

Sammy, I's want ta stay here wit' you's tonight. I's don't won't ta stay wit' myself this night. Is that all right wit' you?

Samuel opened his long black arms, Lucy walked in. They lay together that night. They felt as one. When the sun rose in the sky, Lucy was wakened by Samuel's moving.

Sammy, gets up we's got to get in the field. Massa be wondering where we's if-in-in we's don't hurry.

Samuel woke got to his feet and started cleaning his face with water that he usually keeps in an old tin bucket. He made a bowl out of both his hands, dipped them down in the bucket, and put water in his mouth. He swished the water around inside his mouth and soon spit it out on the dirt around. He wiped his hands free of water with the trousers he was going to wear that day.

Lucy got to her feet immediately and brushed her hair free of dirt and began taking care of herself. Samuel walked from the shack, so Lucy could get finished. Samuel walked straight to the shed to begin his work. Lucy walked from the shack fifteen minutes later. There sat Jersey, and she was watching as Lucy walked from Samuel's shack. Immediately, she began whispering to another old lady who was standing beside her. Lucy glanced over to Jersey; Jersey looked away. Lucy pulled her long dress up as not to drag it in the mud and dirt; she walked over to where Jersey and the old lady stood.

Look here you's Black gossipin' winches. If-in you's put my name one more time in you talkin', I's will pull your black tongues out your head. So's you's can't talk 'bout no body no more.

I's didn't say nothin' 'bout you's, Lucy.

When you's stalkin', don't look at me deen. I's can't help if you's to old and wrinkled and don't no man wants your old ass winches. Jest remember what I's say 'bout ya talkin' 'bout me.

Jersey and the old lady walked away in a hurry, as far away from Lucy and as quick as they could. Lucy turned with her hand on her hip while walking to the spot she did her daily routine. Several days had passed when Samuel finally asked Lucy to marry him. They were sleeping together as husband and wife anyway, but he decided they would marry, so people on the plantation wouldn't talk about them as they passed by. Lucy did accept his proposal; it made her very happy.

When does you want to, Sammy?

Whenever we get Massa's permission. Let's go ask him now, he's will lets us, I's know's he's will.

Samuel and Lucy walked to the house and called for Master Herring. The master walked to his huge porch and sat down in his large chair.

Yes, Samuel, what y'all want.

Massa, sir, Lucy here and I's want to be married, if-in okay to give us your permission.

No, Samuel, not right now, we's go ta leave town. I's got somethin' ta do in town for a few days. I's need ya ta go wit' me, and drive the wagon.

Lucy turned and walked away; she was hurt, the happiest day of her life had been shattered by a white man who could tell them when to eat, drink, sleep, wake up, marry, have children, anything he wanted to tell them and they had no say. Lucy walked to the shack where she'd not slept that night and began weeping. She cried for all the many things she hated about being a slave. She hated everything. She had a feeling of not wanting to live.

If I's can't have Sammy, I's won't have no one.

Just then, Master walked into the shack. Lucy, get up, come wit' me.

Lucy got up and walked out behind her master. Samuel, who was hitching the horses, looked up.

A Miserable Life on the Franklin Plantation

Thy Shalt Not Kill and Pure Torture

Just in time to see Lucy and Master Herring go into the stable.

Why's he takin Lucy there?

Master entered the stable and waited until Lucy came in.

Close the doors, Lucy, he told her.

Lucy turned and closed the doors to the stable.

Listen here, nigger, if-in you's wont to marry Samuel, I's got to get it first. After all you's ruined my life with Miss Herring.

Massa, sir, I's jest can't gibe myself ta you's sir. I's savin' myself for Sammy. I's love Sammy, don't make me do dis to Sammy.

Why's you thank I's care 'bout Sammy, he's a good boy, but you's belongs ta me. I's your master, I's own you. Now I's gonna take what I's want from you's, Lucy, whether you's like it or not. Master Herring grabbed Lucy by her arm. You's gonna take ya clothes off or does I's got to?

Massa, sir.

I's won't tell ya again, gal.

I's savin' myself for Sammy.

And I's done told you's if-in I's don't get ya, Samuel will never marry you's. I's know Sammy saw us come in here. I's know Sammy know what you's tryin' ta do. Samuel knows I's own all you niggers and if-in I's wants you or whoever it be's I's may wants, you's all belong to me. All you's. Get them clothes off now, Lucy.

Massa, sir, I's respect you's most high, even after you's beat me over your wife. I's never thought you's do me this ways, sir.

Master Herring walked over to Lucy, slapped her across the face, and smiled. I's like that.

He slapped her again and again until blood ran from her nose. Meanwhile, outside Samuel was being taken off to town with Cliff, Master's headman. Samuel thinking, If-in Master hurts her, I's a kill him.

Master Herring walked over to a pole which held the stable up. He took a piece of rope from his pocket, tied one end around the pole, and walked over toward Lucy.

You's white bastard, Lucy screamed.

She spit in his face and began scratching him with her long dirty nails.

That's all right, nigger.

He wrapped the other end of the rope around Lucy's wrist, tying it very tight, cutting off the circulation. He stripped Lucy's clothes off. He immediately tied her other arm, so it would be held over her head. As he played with her breasts, he slapped her in the face; he slapped her again in her stomach, across the breast, and all over both her legs, leaving horrible marks upon her body. Her face was covered with blood that flowed from her nose. He untied Lucy, ordered her to get dressed. She walked over to the corner covered with straw and sat down. Lucy pulled her long musty dress over her head and wiped her face with the tail-end of her dress. Master Herring stood and watched her. She pulled her underclothes on and started putting on her shoes. Lucy had not shed a tear; she was a strong woman, and there was nothing he could do to break her strength. Lucy stood up to leave the stable, when she was interrupted.

You's can marry Samuel, but y'all can't do it for a month.

Lucy walked past him and out the stable door. Master Herring returned to the house and sat on the porch watching his property hard at work. Just then he spotted a young girl, who looked to be maybe seventeen years old. His interest piqued instantly. Master Herring called for Jersey immediately from the field. I's want ya ta bring that young nigger over dere ta me in the stable, now, as he pointed to the girl.

He stood and walked toward his stable; once inside, he gathered his ropes and stuck them in his pocket. Jersey did as she was ordered and brought the girl in. Master Herring asked Jersey to leave immediately.

Why you's won't this homely gal, Massa, sir?

Get out a here, nigger, don't be askin' me no questions, and close that door behind ya. What cha name, girl? he asked.

I's be Connie.

Well's, Connie, I's your masters, so take your clothes off now, girl.

What, Massa, sir? Connie questioned. I's just 'bout sixteen they say, Massa, sir.

Master Herring walked toward Connie and started stripping her of her clothing. Connie became frightened and began yelling. Shut your mouf, gal, shut it right now. Connie, you's mine. I's will do this ta you till you's grown woman.

Connie stood there with tears rushing down her face; she was in total shock. Master Herring pushed Connie to the ground. He tied one of her legs to a pole, the other leg to the other pole. Connie was very upset by this time. She cried out; she didn't know what was going to happen to her. Master Herring slapped her face several times. Her nose did not bleed. He took his fist and slapped her several more times in the face until blood trickled down to her lip.

It's not coming fast enough, Master Herring said in a loud voice.

He hit Connie until she could not stand up no longer. Her feet were bound apart and her arms were lifeless. She closed her eyes because they were swelling from the blows to the face. She couldn't cry out anymore. Master Herring took the strap he'd beaten Lucy with and started hitting Connie between her legs with powerful blows.

Oh, stop, Massa, sir, stop! Stop! Stop!

Connie began to bleed; the strap had pierced her tender skin. Master Herring placed the strap in his pocket and stared at Connie. He soon untied Connie as she lay there not able to move. Master walked back to the porch and sat down. Connie was a bloody mess. She had blood everywhere; as she stumbled to her feet, she could not see a thing. She closed her eyes and just lay where she'd been beaten. Minutes later, Master Herring returned to the stable.

Connie, get up.

Connie began to move; Herring stooped over and pulled Connie to her feet. Connie stood; she was shaking, her vision had returned only to see the man who'd tortured her. She began crying for fear he was going to beat her again. Herring walked over, picked up her dress, and pulled it around her head and down her narrow body. He wrapped Connie in his arms.

I's didn't mean ta hurt ya.

I's hate you, Massa, you's ruin me. I's hate ya.

Herring walked Connie out the door of the stable and into his house. Connie, I's going to make you's my house nigger. I's always wanted me one after my wife up and died. You's gonna be my special nigger, my nigger at my beck 'n' call. I's will have ya do everythin' for me 'cept goes ta town wit' me, I's can't have ya sittin' beside me in the buggy.

If-in you's treat me the ways you did taday, Massa, sir, I's will kill myself. I's don't won't ta live if I's got to be treated like a animal, you's beat all de time. Connie looked him right in the eye.

I's won't touch you like that again, I's will never beat you's like that ever. Now, go upstairs and clean yourself up, he told Connie.

She was no more than 5'0", short, nappy short hair, and very long, thick lips. Although Connie was no picture of beauty to white man, there was something the master saw in her that he wanted. When Cliff and Samuel had returned, it had grown dark. Lucy had been in the fields all day after Master had beat her. She'd worked very hard in the field most of the day. Master called for Cliff; he wanted to see what Cliff had done in town. Master required a full report of events.

I's jest got the nigger away like you ask me, sir.

Samuel walked over to Lucy who was still standing in the field with her head down looking at the ground. Lucy, I's back from town.

I's know, Sammy, what ya do there? she questioned. Lucy did not look up at all.

Oh, Cliff jest didn't know what's he wanted. He take me from one store to nothern, not buying nothin'.

Oh, she replied, still not looking up.

Lucy, is somethin' the matter wit' ya? Why's you not lookin' at me, did Massa hurt you whiles I's gone?

No, Sammy, she replied. He jest want to tell me we's can get married in a month or so.

I's pleased wit' the massa. He's gonna let us marry. Why he change his mind?

He jest said we's could. She still hadn't looked up from the ground.

Lucy, why's you won't look at me? I's want you to look at me now.

No, Sammy, please jest go to the shack. If-in I's look at you, it will cause nothin' but trouble.

Cause trouble where? he questioned.

Tween you and Massa.

What the hell does ya mean? Massa can't do nothin' to me, he ain't already done did. If-in you's promise me… Lucy didn't quite finish speaking when Samuel pulled her head up to see both Lucy eyes were black, her nose swollen and she had been scratched in several places.

What the hell happen ta ya?

Massa, he does this to me. I's a kill that bastard, Samuel yelled, walking off toward the house.

Lucy ran and pulled Samuel by his arm.

Stop, she screamed, don't do that. Massa won't bother me again, he's promise he never touch me again. If-in you's goes hurt Massa, they's will kill you, Sammy. You's know that, then what I'm spose to do wit' you dead? Don't, don't, jest leave Massa alone. Jest leave him, he's not worf it, Sammy.

Samuel stopped, turned to Lucy, who was practically pulling his arm off. Lucy, if-in I's let this happens, his will keep comin' by doin' this to you's.

Oh, forget 'bout it, Sammy. If-in you's go in there and hurt Massa, they's will kill you. You's better listen ta me. They's will kill you, don't be dumb, listen to me. They love's killin' niggers, Sammy. They's really does.

Samuel stood there with tears in his eyes. The master had beaten his woman, and there was nothing he could do to make things even between him and his master.

Samuel, Samuel Stallenger, let's go to the shack for I's really tired.

Sammy took Lucy in his arms. They turned and walked toward the shack. Suddenly they were stopped by yells and loud screams coming from the house. They turned and looked up at the window. They saw Master Herring's shadow and a young girl's shadow, for Master was beating this child.

Who that girl is? Samuel asked.

That Connie, Massa sent for her today, he say he miss his dead wife and jest look at him. There somethin' wrong wit' Massa. I's thank he crazy. He like ta beat women, or somethin', Lucy explained. Somebody gonna kill that massa one dese days. Watch what I's tell ya.

Lucy and Samuel walked to the shack, closing the door. They did not want their night interrupted by any more screaming slave girls; no one could help anyway. Samuel removed his clothes, walked to the basin already filled with leftover water, and begin to wash and dry the sweat from his skin.

Lucy stood looking at his scarred, marked body. Samuel had endured a lot of violent beatings for only the master knew why.

She too began to undress as well. At that moment, Lucy instantly remembered her own body. She also had scars as well as dried blood all over it from her earlier mistreat of master. She decided that she was not going to remove her clothing. If Samuel were to see her body, he would be filled with anger. Lucy sat on the straw that lay on top of the dirt floor and continued watching Samuel finish his bath.

Lucy, you gonna take you clothes off and get cleaned up?

No, Sammy, I's thought I's go on to my shack tonight.

Why? he questioned. You's been sleepin' here, now all a sudden you wont to go to your shack? You's been sleepin' here wit' me.

I's know, Sammy, but I's jest figure we's should wait till we's marry. Then we's be ta-gether for the rest our life.

Nope, Lucy, you's wrong, we's gonna be together tonight. We's been together every other night, so what the difference now?

I's going to my hut now, so if-in's you got out my way I's jest be on my way now.

There's some-in wrong, Lucy, what it is? he questioned. Massa done did some-in to ya? Massa done had you and you's don't want me ta know, is that what wrong?

Samuel's voice had begun to tremble. You could tell he was becoming tense and angry. He didn't want Lucy lying to him, he wanted the truth.

No, Sammy, you's wrong. I's not lied about Massa he ain't laid with me.

Yes, yes, yes, you have, Samuel shouted.

Lucy started for the door when Samuel snatched her long dress completely off her body. Instantly, he saw the reason Lucy didn't want to stay; her body was stained with old dried blood and fresh scars she obviously didn't want Samuel to see.

Lucy, he whispered, you's lied to me. I's ask you if Massa hurt ya, and you's lied.

Sammy, I's did it for you. I's didn't won't no trouble, and I's do so 'cause we's could get married.

Samuel grabbed Lucy and shook her firmly. He was shaking her in pure anger. You's never lied ta me never. I's don't care what it be's bout, you's never tell me a lie. I's means never. If-in you's lie now, you's will lie when we's get married. You's tell me what happens to you. If-in it happen to you, it's happen to me too, for we's are one, does you's hear me, Lucy?

Yes, Sammy, I's very sorry, I's