Dad built us a small house. He had to put shutters in place of windows because we could not afford glass. He even made the furniture for our house.

Other folks in the community would get together to help with things like house raising and harvesting. But free Blacks couldn't take part in these kinds of activities.

We had a garden and raised animals for food. But Dad and I would often go hunting and fishing to supplement what we raised.

Tobacco was the main crop on our farm. And I had to help out with the chores. My job was mainly helping keep the bugs off of the plants. I spent much of my time at Big Mama's place. She constantly worked with me on my reading and writing when I was there.