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(Jefferson County, AL. Federal Writers Project, Gertha Courie)
She claims to be the oldest negro in Eufaula (but you can't tell). Says she is ninety four. Was born in North Georgia, on a plantation above Atlanta. Lives now in Eufaula with a great-grandaughter. Belonged to "Marse Rogers".
She said, "After surrender, Marse Rogers moved to dis country (meaning Alabama) and bought a plantation twix Marse Josiah Flourney's and General Toney's. Said his plantation jined theirs." She said she was a nurse-maid all of her life, never was a "field nigger". I asked her if she saw any soldiers. Said she saw "thousands", said she and her Mistis and her Mistis baby hid in de swamps three days while Sherman and his army were passing, Marse Rogers was in "Virginny" and when they got back home, there was nothing left but a well, every thing had been burned, home, smoke house, everything. She said this well was a "dry well" where they kept butter and milk and meats in the Summer to keep things cool. Said those three days her little brother hid in this well, while the soldiers were passing. She said, "Fore God, Missey, when we got dat little nigger out ob dat well, he had almost turned white".
Aunt Josephine is still a "nurse maid." She rocks her great-great-great grandchildren.
