“Paddyroles” as the men were called who were sent by the Rebels to watch the slaves to prevent their escaping during war times, were very active after freedom.  They intimidated the Negroes and threatened them with loss of life if they did not stay and work for their former masters.  Doctor Miller did not want any of his slaves treated in such manner.  He told them they were free and could take whatever name they desired.

Robert Lee, during slavery was Robert Miller, as were all of the doctor’s slaves.  After slavery was ended he chose the name Lee.  His brother Aaron took the name Alexander not thinking how it looked for two brothers of the same parents to have different surnames.  There are sons of each brother living in Palatka now, one set Lees and the others, Alexander.

Randall, as was formerly stated, spent a very little time in slavery.  Most of his knowledge concerning customs which long ago have been abandoned and replaced by more modern ones, is of early reconstruction days.  Just after the Civil War, when his father began farming on his own plantation, his mother remained home and cared for her house and children.  She was of fair complexion, having been the daughter of a half-breed Indian and Negro mother.  Her father was white.  Her native state was Virginia and she bore some of the aristocratic traits so common among those born in that state of such parentage.  She often boasted of her “blue blood Virginia stock.”

Robert Lee, Randall’s father was very prosperous in early reconstruction days.  He owned horses, mules and a plow.  The plow was made of point iron with a wooden handle, not like plows of today for they are of cast iron and steel.

Chickens, ducks and geese were raised in abundance and money began accumulating rapidly for Robert and Delhia Lee.  They began improving their property and trying to give their children some education.  It was very hard for those living in small towns and out in the country to go to school even though they had money to pay for their education.  The north sent teachers down but not every hamlet was favored with such. (1)

Randall was taught to farm and he learned well.  He saved his money as he worked and grew to manhood.  Years after freedom he left South Carolina and went to Palatka, Florida, where he is today.  He bought some land and although most of it is hammock land and not much good he has at intervals been offered good prices for it.  Some white people during the “boom” of 1925-26 offered him a few dollars an acre for it but he refused to sell thinking a better price would be offered if he held on. (2)