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Lissis was a child in the home of grandma and grandpa McMarry. They were farmers in Robinson County,
Tennessee. (A)Her mother, a slave hand, worked on the farm until her young master, Robert MCMurry was married. She was thensold to Rev. Carter Plaster and taken to Legan County, Kentucky. (A)
The child, Lissie, was given to young Robert. She lived in the house to help the young mistress who was not so kindto her. Lissie was forced to eat chicken heads, fish heads, pig tails, and parsnips. The child disliked this very mush,and was very unhappy with her young mistress, because in Robert's father's home all slave children were treated justlike his own children. They had plenty of good substantial food, and were protected in every way. (A)
The old master felt they were the hands of the next generation and if they were strong and healthy, they would bring
in a larger amount of money when sold. (A)Lissie's hardships did not last long as they were set free soon after young Robert's marriage. He took her in a wagonto Keysburg. Kentucky to be with her mother. (A)
Lissie learned this song from the soldiers.Old Saul Crawford is dead,And the last word is said.They were fond of looking backTill they heard the busbes crackAnd sent them to their happy home In Cannan.Some wears worstedSome wears lawnWhat they gonna deWhen that's all gone.
(A) Mrs. Samuels is an amusing little woman, she must be about 80 years old, but holds to the age of 60. Had she given her right age, the people for whom she works would have helped her to get her pension. (B) They are amused, yet provoked because Lissie wants to be younger than she really is. (B) Submitted December 1, 1937 Indianapolis, Indiana By: A Field Writer
(G. Monroe, 130120, Dist. 4, Jefferson County, Slave Story, 170 Words)
