"Patrollers? Had to get a pass from your master to go over there. Oh yes, I know all about them. I have seed the Ku Klux too. Yes ma'am, I know all about them things.
"I never been to school but half a day. I went to work when I was eight years old and been workin' ever since.
"My father died in slave times and my mother died the fourth year after surrender.
"After freedom, I worked there bout the course of three or four years. Then I emigrated and come on to Mississippi. The most I done them times was farmin'. Reckon I stayed in Mississippi five or six years.
"The most work I done here in Arkansas is carpenter work. I'm the first colored man ever contracted in Pine Bluff.
"If I wasn't able to work, I don't think I'd stay here long.
"Used to drive the mule in the gin in slave times.
"We didn't have a bit of expense on us. Our doctor bills was paid and had clothes give to us and had plenty of something to eat.
"Yes'm, I used to vote but it's been for years since I voted. Voted Republican. I don't know why the colored people is Republican. You askin' me something now I don't know nothin' about, but I believe in votin' for the man goin' to do good"do the country good.
"Oh, don't talk about the younger generation"I jist can't accomplish em, I sure can't. They ain't got the 'regenious' and get-up about em they had in my time. They is more wiser, that's about all. The young race these days"I don't know what's gwine come of em. If twasn't for we old fogies, don't know what they'd do.