"Slaves carried news from one plantation to another by riding mules or horses. They had to be in quarters at night. I remember my mother rode side-saddle one Saturday night. I reckon she had a pass to go; she come back without being bothered.
"Some games children played was, hiding switches, marbles, and maybe others. Later on, some of de nigger boys started playing cards and got to gambling; some went to de woods to gamble.
"The old cotton gins on de farms were made of wooden screws, and it took all day to gin four bales o' cotton.
"I was one of the first trustees that helped build the first colored folks' church in the town of Greenwood. I am the only one now living. I married Alice Robinson, and had five sons and one daughter, and have five or six grandchildren.
"Abraham Lincoln, I think, was a good man; had a big reputation. Couldn't tell much about Jefferson Davis. Booker T. Washington—Everybody thinks he is a great man for the colored race.
"Of course I think slavery was bad. We is free now and better off to work. I think anybody who is any count can work and live by himself.
"I joined de church when I was 17 years old, because a big preaching was going on after freedom for the colored people.
"I think everybody should join the church and do right; can't get anywhere without it, and do good."
Source: William Ballard (88), Greenwood, S. C.
Interviewed by: G. L. Summer, Newberry, S. C. (6/10/37)