He said he had a good home among good people.  His master gave him five real whippings within a period of fourteen years but Uncle Samuel believes he deserved every lash administered.

Uncle Samuel loved his master’s family, he speaks of Miss Lena, Miss Lula, Master Jefferson and Master John and believes they are still alive.  Their present home is at Cebra, Kentucky.

It was the custom for a slave indentured to a master to be given a fair education, a good horse, bridle, saddle and a suit of clothes for his years of toil, but Mr. Price did not believe the boy deserved the pay and refused to pay him.  A lawyer friend sued in behalf of the Negro and received a judgement of $115.00 (one hundred and fifteen dollars).  Eighteen dollars repaid the lawyer for his service and Samuel started out with $95.00 and his freedom.

Evansville became the home of Samuel Watson in 1882.  The trip was made by train to Henderson then on transfer boat along the Ohio to Evansville.

The young negro man was impressed by the boat and crew and said he loved the town from the first glimpse.

Dr. Bacon, a prominent citizen living at Chandler Avenue and Second Street, employed Samuel as coachman.  His next service was as house-man for Levi Igleheart, 1010 Upper Second Street.  Mr. Igleheart grew to trust Samuel and gave him many privileges allowing him to care for horses and to manage business for the family.

Samuel was married in 1890.  His wife was born in Evansville and knew nothing of slavery by birth or indenture.

Uncle Samuel was given a job at the Trinity Church, corner of Third and Chestnut Streets.  Mr. Igleheart recommended him for the position.  He received $30.00 per month for his services for a period of six years.

Mr. McNeely employed him for several years as janitor for lodges and secret orders.  The old negro was also a paper hanger and wall cleaner and did well untill the panic seized him as it did others.

Uncle Samuel was entitled to an old age pension which he recieved from 1934 until 1935 but January 15th, 1936 something went wrong and the money was with held.  Then uncle Samuel was sent to the poor house.  Still he was not unhappy and did what he could to make others happy.

In 1936 he again applied and received the pension. $17.00 per month is paid for his upkeep, his only labor consists of tending a little garden and doing light chores.  He lives with William Crosby on S.E.  Fifth Street.

Iris L Cook
District #4
Floyd County

Slave story
story of Nancy Whallen
924 Pearl St.
New Albany, Ind.

Nancy Whallen is now about 81 years of age.  She doesn’t know exactly.  She was about 5 year of age when Freedom was declared.  Nancy was born and raised in Hart County near Hardinsburg, Kentucky.  She is very hard to talk to as her memory is failing and she can not hear very well.