My father was called Jim, and was the son of Mr. Wells, his master. His mother was one of his father's slaves. Her name was Peggy. Mr. Wells did not have any children by his wife. My father never experienced any of the cruelties of slavery, like whipping. He lived on the plantation and became a comfort to Mr. Wells during his old age.

When my father was about eighteen, Mr. Wells took him to Holly Springs to become a carpenter's apprentice. He planned on using him on the plantation.