“I kept my name Reaves.  I am a Reaves from start to finish.  I was raised by mother and she was a Reaves.  Her name was Olive Reaves.  Her old mistress’ name was Charlotte Reaves, old master was Edmond Reaves.  Now the boys I come to know was John, Bob; girls, Mary and Jane.  There was older children.  Mother was a sensible, obedient woman.  Nobody ever treated her very wrong.  She was the only one ever chastised me.  They spoiled me.  We got plenty plain rations.  I never seen nobody married till after the surrender.  I seen one woman chastised.  I wasn’t close.  I never learned what it was about.  Old Master Reaves was laying it on.

“Mother moved to New Castle, Tennessee from Mr. Reaves’ place.  We farmed—­three of us.  We had been living southeast of Boliver, Tennessee, in Hardeman County.  I think my kin folks are all dead.  Father’s other children may be over in Tennessee now.  Yes, I know them.  Mother died over at Palestine with me.  She always lived with me.  I married twice, had one child by each wife.  Both wives are dead and my children are dead.

“Mother said I had three older brothers went to the Civil War and never come back home.  She never heard from them after they went off.  I don’t know but it was my understanding that they was to be soldiers.  I don’t recollect them.

“Mother got so she wasn’t able to work in the field several years before she died.  She worked in the field long as she was able.  She lived with me all my whole life till she died.  But I farmed.  Some years we done well and some years we jess could live.  I farmed all my life but a few years.  I love farm life.  It is independent living.  I mean you are about your own man out there.  I work my garden out at my shop now.  I make baskets and bottom chairs at Palestine.  A few years I kept Mrs. Wilkerson’s yard and garden.  Her husband died and she moved off to Memphis.  They did live at Palestine.

“I heard it said that Reaves said he could keep his own farm.  The Ku Klux never bothered us.  I have heard a lot of things but I am telling you what I know.  I don’t know nothing about the Civil War nor the Ku Klux.  I was most too small a boy at that time to know much.

“I used to vote.  Can’t write my name.  Don’t fool with it.

“I went to school on rainy days.  I went a few other days.  People used to have to work.  I always wanted to work.  I piddle around all the time working now.  I went to colored teachers all together.  I can read a little.

“I had a brother-in-law in Arkansas.  I heard a lot of talk.  I come on a visit and stayed three months.  I went back and moved here.  I come to this State—­over at Palestine—­March 11, 1883 on Sunday.  I have a good recollection, or I think I have for my age.  I’ve lived a pretty sensible life, worked hard but had good health.  If I had another life to live now I would go to the farm.  I love farm life.

“I chop wood, garden, go in the woods get my splints for baskets, chairs.  I live by myself.  I eat out some with I call them kin.  They are my sister’s children.  I get some help, $10 and commodities.