1907:  Ex-slave Louis Watkins Moves to Muncie

Louis Watkins moved to Muncie, Indiana.  He was born a slave in 1853 on a plantation located just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Watkins stated that his master was good to him and he was never whipped by his overseer.  He was allowed to go to church with his parents on Sunday.  Watkins also had a Caucasian tutor.  The slaves on this plantation were taught how to read, write, and figure.  Reading was encouraged outside of the slaves’ work hours.  The slaves also were well clothed, fed, and housed.  When Watkins was given his freedom at the age of 12, his parents were allowed to decide whether to work for wages or move somewhere else.  They took their time and looked for a job.  Once Watkins became established and was married, he moved to Muncie. 

Cited by:  George P. Rawick, Ed., The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography.  Westport, Connecticut:  The Greenwood Press, Inc., 1979, Supplement Series 2, v, 1, p. 280-283