Marriage:  When one slave fell in love with another and wanted to marry they were given a license and the matrimony was “sealed.”  There was no marriage ceremony performed.  A license was all that was necessary to be considered married.  In the event that the lovers lived on separate plantations the master of one of them would buy the other lover or wedded one so that they would be together.  When this could not be arranged they would have to visit one another, but live on their respective plantations.

Religion:  The slaves had a regular church house, which was a small size building constructed of boards.  Preaching was conducted by a colored minister especially assigned to this duty.  On Tuesday evenings prayer meeting was held; on Thursday evenings, preaching; and on Sundays both morning and evening preaching.  At these services the slaves would “get happy” and shout excitedly.  Those desiring to accept Christ were admitted for baptism.

Baptism:  On baptismal day, the candidates attired in white robes which they had made, marched down to the river where they were immersed by the minister.  Slaves from neighboring plantations would come to witness this sacred ceremony.  Mack Mullen recalls that many times his “marster” on going to view a baptism took him along in his buggy.  It was a happy scene, he relates.  The slaves would be there in great numbers scattered about over the banks of the river.  Much shouting and singing went on.  Some of the “sisters” and “brothers” would get so “happy” that they would lose control of themselves and “fall out.”  It was then said that the Holy Ghost had “struck ’em.”  The other slaves would view this phenomena with awe and reverence, and wait for them to “come out of it.”  “Those were happy days and that was real religion,” Mack Mullen said.

Education:  The slaves were not given any formal education, however, Mullen’s master was not as rigid as some of the slave-holders in prohibiting the slaves from learning to read and write.  Mrs. Snellings, the mistress, taught Mack’s mother to read and write a little, and Mr. Snellings also taught Mack’s father how to read, write and figure.  Having learned a little they would in turn impart their knowledge to their fellow slaves.

Freedom:  Mullen vividly recalls the day that they heard of their emancipation; loud reports from guns were heard echoing through the woods and plantations; after awhile “Yankee” soldiers came and informed them that they were free.  Mr. Snellings showed no resistance and he was not harmed.  The slaves on hearing this good news of freedom burst out in song and praises to God:  it was a gala day.  No work was done for a week; the time was spent in celebrating.  The master told his slaves that they were free and could go wherever they wanted to, or they could remain with him if they wished.  Most of his 200 slaves refused to leave him because he was considered a good master.

They were thereafter given individual farms, mules and farm implements with which to cultivate the land; their former master got a share out of what was raised.  There was no more whipping, no more forced labor and hours were less drastic.