Former Slave Narratives: A Bibliography

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Anderson, Robert (b. 1819).

The Anderson Surpriser Written After He Was Seventy-Five Years of Age? Macon, GA: The Author, 1895. Duke Location: Special Collections Pamphlet Collection E Pam #7275

Anderson, Robert (b. 1819).

The Life of Rev. Robert Anderson. Born the 22nd Day of February, in the Year of Our Lord 1819, and Joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1839. This Book Shall Be Called the Young Man's Guide, or, the Brother in White. Macon, GA: J.W. Burke, 1891. Reprinted Macon, GA: The author, 1892. Revised and reprinted Atlanta: Foote & Davis, 1900. Description: Former GA slave and minister in GA, 1900 edition features preface detailing post 1891 experiences. Duke holds a microfilm of the 1892 edition and the 1900 reprint. Duke Location: 1892 edition-- Perkins News/Micro M7317; 1900 reprint-- Special Collections E #17622

Arter, Jared Maurice (b. 1850).

Echoes from a Pioneer Life. Illustrated. Atlanta: A.B. Caldwell Publishing, 1922. Reprinted Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries Press, 1971. Reprinted by Manchester, NH: Ayer Co., 1977. Description: Former WV slave, educator Duke holds the 1922 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections E 12mo #6373

Bruce, H[enry] C[lay] (1836-1902).

The New Man. Twenty-Nine Years a Slave, Twenty-Nine Years a Free Man: Recollections of HC Bruce. York, PA: P. Anstadt & Sons, 1895. Reprinted Miami, FL: Mnemonsyne Publishing, 1969; Reprinted New York: Negro Universities Press, 1969. Reprinted Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996. Description: Former slave in VA, MS, MI, freeman in KS Duke holds the 1895 edition and the 1996 edition. Duke Location: 1895 edition-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 B886; 1996 edition-- Perkins 305.567092 B886, N532, 1996

Burton, Thomas William (1860-1939).

What Experience Has Taught Me. Introduction by John Wesley Gazaway. Illustrated. Cincinnati: Press of Jennings and Graham, 1910. Description: Former slave in KY, physician in OH Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.93 B974W

Flipper, Henry Ossian (1856-1940).

The Colored Cadet at West Point: Autobiography of Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper, U.S.A., First Graduate of Color from the U.S. Military Academy. Illustrated. New York: H. Lee & Co., 1878. Description: Author, born a slave in GA, recounts his experiences at the famous military academy. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 F626

Green, John Patterson (1845-1940).

Fact Stranger than Fiction: Seventy-Five Years of a Busy Life, with Reminiscences of Many Great and Good Men and Women. Illustrated. Index. Cleveland: Riehl Printing, 1920. Description: Freeborn SC native, attorney, businessman, politician, migrated to OH, Rep. in OH State Legislature Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.273 G796

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Hamilton, Jeff (1840-1950).

"My Master": The Inside Story of Sam Houston and His Times, by His Former Slave. As told to, and Preface by, Lenoir Hunt. Foreword by Franklin Williams. Illustrated. Bibliography. Notes. Dallas: Manfred, Van Nort & Co., 1940. Description: A former slave in KY and TX tells the story of the famous Texas general, U.S. Senator, and governor, as well as discussing his own childhood as a slave. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.573 H843H

Heard, William Henry (1850-1937).

From Slavery to the Bishopric in the AME Church: An Autobiography. Introduction by HH Cooper. Illustrated. Philadelphia: AME Book Concern, 1924. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1969. Description: Former slave, SC legislator, Minister-resident and consul general to Liberia, and AME Bishop from 1908 Duke holds the 1924 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.93 H435F

Jamison, Monroe Franklin (b. 1848).

Autobiography and Work of Bishop MF Jamison, DD ("uncle Joe"), Editor, Publisher and Church Extension Secretary: A Narration of His Whole Career from the Cradle to the Bishopric of the Colored ME Church in America. Introduction by George L. Tyus. Illustrated. Nashville: The Author, 1912. Description: Former slave in GA, AL, CME Bishop, editor of church publication, religious work in TX Duke holds a microfiche of the 1912 edition. Duke Location: Divinity Microforms ATLA 1991 2864

Jeter, Henry Norval (1851-1938).

Pastor Henry N. Jeter's Twenty-Five Years' Experience with the Shiloh Baptist Church and Her History. Preface by Charles S. Morris. Illustrated. Providence: Remington Printing Co., 1901. Description: Minister and former VA slave; later attended Wayland Seminary (DC); gives history of a Baptist church in Newport, RI from 1875 Duke holds a microfiche of the 1901 edition. Duke Location: Perkins News/Micro M6580

Johnson, Thomas Lewis (b. 1836).

Twenty-Eight Years a Slave; or, the Story of my Life in Three Continents. Introductions by Sir George Williams and Edward Stroud Smith. Illustrated. Bournemouth, England: W. Mate & Sons, 1909. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 J69T

Lane, Isaac (1834-1937).

Autobiography of Bishop Isaac Lane, LL.D.; with a Short History of the CME Church in America and of Methodism. Introduction by J. Arthur Hamlett. Illustrated. Nashville: ME Church, South, 1916. Description: CME bishop from 1873 to 1914, early CME organizer, slave in TN, efforts to found Lane College in TN, religious work across south, sketches other CME bishops Duke holds a microfiche of the 1916 edition. Duke Location: Divinity Microforms ATLA 1991 2869

Langston, John Mercer (1829-1897).

From the Virginia Plantation to the National Capitol; or, the First and Only Negro Representative in Congress from the Old Dominion. Illustrated. Hartford, CT: American Publishing, 1894. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1969. Reprinted New York: Bergman Publishers, 1969. Reprinted New York: Kraus Reprint Co., 1969. Description: Probably born free, minister, lawyer, politician, president of VA Normal and Collegiate Institute Duke holds the 1894 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.273 L285

Latta, Morgan London (b. 1853).

The History of My Life and Work: Autobiography. Introduction by George Daniel. Illustrated. Raleigh, NC: The Author, 1903. Revised and reprinted Raleigh, NC: The Author, 1924. Description: Former NC slave, Shaw graduate, educator, founder of Latta University in West Raleigh Duke holds the 1903 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections E #20529; Additional copies-- Perkins 326.92 L364

Lewis, Joseph Vance.

Out of the Ditch: A True Story of an Ex-Slave. Illustrated. Houston: Rein & Sons, Co. Printer, 1910. Description: Former LA slave, lawyer, physician, attended Leland U, U of Michigan Law, Chicago Law, and London (England) Lane School of Law, worked for Republican Party in Chicago Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.473 L674

Love, Nat (1854-1921).

The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, Better Known in the Cattle Country as "Deadwood Dick," by Himself: A True History of Slavery Days, Life on the Great Cattle Ranges and on the Plains of the "Wild and Woolly" West, Based on Facts, and Personal Experiences of the Author. Illustrated. Los Angeles: The Author, 1907. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1968. Description: Former TN slave, railroad car worker, and cowboy between 1869 and 1890 Duke holds the 1907 edition and the 1968 edition. Duke Location: 1907 edition-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.93 L897L; 1968 edition-- Perkins 978.02092 L897 L722 1968

Lynch, John Roy (1847-1939).

Reminiscences of an Active Life: The Autobiography of John Roy Lynch. Edited and Introduction by John Hope Franklin. Notes. Index. Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1970. Description: Former LA and MS slave, lawyer in Chicago, realtor, first Negro elected to MS House of Reps., US Army officer during and after Spanish-American War Duke Location: Special Collections E #18465; Additional copies-- Perkins 923.273 L987 and Duke Off-Site Stacks 923.273 L987 R388 1970

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Malvin, John (1795-1880).

Autobiography of John Malvin: A Narrative, Containing an Authentic Account of His Fifty Years' Struggle in the State of Ohio in Behalf of the American Slave, and the Equal Rights of All Men Before the Law Without Reference to Race or Color; Forty-Seven Years of Said Time Being Expended in the City of Cleveland. Cleveland: Leader Printing Co., 1879. Reprinted as North into Freedom: The Autobiography of John Malvin, Free Negro, 1795-1880. Edited, Introduction, and Notes by Allan Peskin. Cleveland: Western Reserve UP, 1966. Description: Born and raised free in VA, later an abolitionist, civil rights leader, and political reformist in Cleveland, OH Duke holds the 1966 reprint. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.81 M262N

Marrs, Elijah Preston (1840-1910).

Life and History of the Rev. Elijah P. Marrs. Louisville: Bradley & Gilbert, 1885. Reprinted Miami, FL: Mnemosyne Publishing, 1969. Description: Former Kentucky slave, teacher, educational administrator, Baptist minister, and Union Army soldier Duke holds the 1969 reprint. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 922.673 M361; Additional copy-- Divinity 922.673 M361

Melbourn, Julius (b. 1790).

Life and Opinions of Julius Melbourn; with Sketches of the Lives and Characters of Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, John Randolph, and Several Other Eminent American Statesmen. Edited by Jabez Delano Hammond. Syracuse: Hall and Dickson, 1847. Description: Former NC slave describes his life and gives his opinions on the institution of slavery Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 M517L

Newton, Alexander Herritage (b. 1837).

Out of the Briars: An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. Introduction by J. P. Sampson. Illustrated. Philadelphia: A.M.E. Book Concern, 1910. Reprinted Miami, FL: Mnemosyne Publishing, 1969. Description: Freeman in NC, A.M.E. minister, abolitionist in NY and Conn., served in Union Army; book includes some of his essays, sermons, and church resolutions. Duke holds the 1910 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 973.781 N5610

Payne, Daniel Alexander (1811-1893).

Recollections of Seventy Years. Compiled and arranged by Sarah C. Bierce Scarborough. Edited by C.S. Smith. Introduction by Francis J. Grimke. Illustrated. Nashville: Publishing House of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union, 1888. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1968. Description: A.M.E. bishop, first president of Wilberforce U.; describes his youth as a freeman in SC, studied at the Lutheran Theological Seminary (Gettysburg, PA), taught in Philadelphia; discusses ministerial duties in Baltimore and DC. Duke holds a microfiche of the 1888 edition and the 1968 reprint. Duke Location: 1888 edition-- Divinity Microforms ATLA 1990 83; 1968 edition-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 922.773 P346 R311 1968 and Divinity 922.773 P346.

Parker, Allen (b. 1837?).

Recollections of Slavery Times. Worcester, MA: Charles W. Burbank & Co., 1895. Description: Laborer in Worcester, MA; former NC slave, escaped to the North in 1862, and served in US Navy Duke Location: Special Collections Bound Pamphlet Collection 326.81 Z99D, v.3, no.32

Randolph, Peter (1825?-1897).

From Slave Cabin to the Pulpit: The Autobiography of Rev. Peter Randolph: The Southern Question Illustrated and Sketches of Slave Life. Boston: James H. Earle, 1893. Description: Baptist minister, former VA slave, freed in 1847, later served as a justice of the peace in Boston Duke holds a photocopy of the 1893 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 R194

Ray, Emma J. Smith (1859-1930).

Twice Sold, Twice Ransomed: Autobiography of Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Ray. Introduction by C. E. McReynolds. Illustrated. Chicago: Free Methodist Publishing House, 1926. Reprinted Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries Press, 1971. Description: Former MO slave, evangelist, revival leader, faith healer, missionary, and WCTU activist; describes her community and religious work, especially in Seattle after 1889; affiliated with the A.M.E. and Free Methodist church Duke holds the 1926 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 R263T

Roberts, James (1753-1809).

The Narrative of James Roberts, Soldier in the Revolutionary War and at the Battle of New Orleans. Chicago: The Author, 1858. Reprinted Hattiesburg, MS: The Book Farm, 1945. Description: Former slave recounts his experiences in the Revolutionary War and his pursuit of his freedom. Duke holds the 1945 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Pamphlet Collection E Pam #7278

Robinson, W[illiam] H. (b. 1848).

From Log Cabin to the Pulpit; or Fifteen Years in Slavery. Illustrated. Eau Claire, WI: The Author, 1913. Description: Former NC and VA slave, served in Confederate and Union Armies in Civil War, and converted in 1877 serving as both a Baptist and an A.M.E. preacher and circuit pastor in the Midwest Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 973.6092 R666 F931 1913

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Smith, Amanda Berry (1837-1915).

The Story of the Lord's Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Colored Evangelist: Containing an Account of Her Life Work of Faith, and Her Travels in America, England, Ireland, Scotland, India and Africa, as an Independent Missionary: An Autobiography. Introduction by J.M. Thoburn. Illustrated. Chicago: Meyer & Brother, 1893. Reprinted Northbrook, IL: Metro Books, 1969. Reprinted New York: Garland, 1987. Description: Former MD slave, A.M.E. evangelist, faith healer, and missionary Duke holds the 1987 edition. Duke Location: Divinity 269.2092 S642 A939 1987

Smith, David (b. 1784).

Biography of Rev. David Smith, of the A.M.E. Church; Being a Complete History Embracing Over Sixty Years' Labor in the Advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom on Earth. Including "The History of the Origin and Development of Wilberforce University." Xenia, OH: Xenia Gazette Office, 1881. Reprinted Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries Press, 1971. Description: Former MD slave and an A.M.E. minister in Xenia, OH; also tells of his church work in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Ohio; essay about Wilberforce is by Daniel Payne Duke holds the 1881 edition. Duke Location: Divinity 922.7 S645B

Smith, Harry (b. 1815).

Fifty Years of Slavery in the United States of America. Illustrated. Grand Rapids, MI: West Michigan Printing Co., 1891. Description: Former KY slave, describes slave life, and later his business ventures in Indianapolis and Michigan Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.9769 S649F

Smith, James Lindsey (?-1883?).

Autobiography of James L. Smith, Including, Also, Reminiscences of Slave Life, Recollections of the War, Education of Freedmen, Causes of the Exodus, Etc. Illustrated. Norwich, CN: Press of the Bulletin Co., 1881. Reprinted Miami, FL: Mnemosyne Publishing, 1969. Reprinted New York: Negro Universities Press, 1970. Reprinted in Five Black Lives: The Autobiographies of Venture Smith, James Mars, William Grimes, the Rev. G. W. Offley, James L. Smith. Middletown, CN: Wesleyan UP, 1971. Description: Shoemaker and Methodist minister in Norwich, CN; former VA slave, escaped to New England in 1838, describes his experiences as a freeman. Duke holds the 1881 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections E #20604; Additional copy-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 S651A

Stroyer, Jacob (1846-1908).

Sketches of My Life in the South. Introductions by Henry K. Oliver and E. C. Bolles. Salem, MA: Salem Press, 1879. Reprinted as My Life in the South. Salem: Salem Observer Book and Job Print, 1885. Reprinted as My Life in the South. Salem, MA: Newcomb & Gaus, 1898. Reprinted in Five Slave Narratives: A Compendium. New York: Arno Press, 1968. Description: An A.M.E. minister in Salem, MA discusses his slave life in SC until the Civil War Duke holds the 1885, 1898, and 1968 editions. Duke Location: 1885 edition-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.9 S925M; 1898 edition-- Special Collections E #8453 and Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.9 S925MA; 1968 edition-- Perkins 326.092 F565

Taylor, Susie King (b. 1848).

Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops Late 1st S.C. Volunteers. Introduction by Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Illustrated. Appendix. Boston: The Author, 1902. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1968. Reprinted New York: M. Weiner Pub, 1988. Description: An escaped slave from GA, worked with the First SC Volunteers, and later worked as a teacher, laundress, and nurse in Boston Duke holds the 1902, 1968 and 1988 editions. Duke Location: 1902 edition-- Special Collections E #18805; 1968 edition-- Perkins 973.7415 T246, R388, 1968; 1988 edition-- Perkins 973.7415 T246 R388 1988

Walker, Thomas Calhoun (1862-1953).

The Honey-Pod Tree: The Life Story of Thomas Calhoun Walker. As narrated to Florence L. Lattimore. New York: John Day, 1958. Description: VA politician, civic leader, and US Govt administrator who was a former slave and later educated at Hampton Institute Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.473 W185

Walters, Alexander (1858-1917).

My Life and Work. Introduction by John Edward Bruce. Illustrated. New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1917. Description: An A.M.E. Zion bishop, born a slave in KY, after Civil War worked in Louisville and Indianapolis hotels; describes his trips to Europe, Middle East, and Africa; includes his sermons, address, and letters. Duke holds a microfiche of the 1917 edition. Duke Location: Divinity Microforms ATLA 1991 2501

Ward, Samuel Ringgold (b. 1817).

Autobiography of a Fugitive Negro. Illustrated. London: John Snow, 1855. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1968. Description: Former MD slave and ordained Congregational minister recounts his experiences prior to and following his escape from slavery. Duke holds the 1968 the edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 W263; Additional copy-- Perkins 326.92 W263

Washington, Booker Taliaferro (1856-1915).

My Larger Education: Being Chapters from My Experience. Illustrated. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Page, 1911. Reprinted Miami, FL: Mnemosyne Publishing, 1969. Description: Elaborates on Washington's experiences as principal of Tuskegee Institute Duke holds a copy and a photocopy of the 1911 edition. Duke Location: 1911 edition-- Special Collections E #20532; Photocopy-- Perkins 305.896073 W317, M995, 1996

Washington, Booker Taliaferro (1856-1915).

The Story of My Life and Work. Introduction by J. L. M. Curry. Illustrated. Naperville, IL: J. L. Nichols & Co., 1900. Revised and reprinted Naperville, IL: J.L. Nichols & Co., 1901. Revised and reprinted Naperville, IL: J.L. Nichols & Co., 1915. Reprinted New York: Negro Universities Press, 1969. Reprinted in The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol. 1, The Autobiographical Writings. Edited by Louis R. Harlan et al. Urbana: U of Illinois P, 1972. Description: Former VA slave turned one of most well-known racial spokesmen; educated at Hampton Institute; first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute Duke holds the 1969 edition and the 1972 collection. Duke Location: 1969 edition-- Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 378.0092 W317 S887 1969; 1972 edition-- Perkins 923.773 W317AD and Duke Off-Site Stacks 923.773 W317, B724, 1972

Washington, Booker Taliaferro (1856-1915).

Working with the Hands: Being a Sequel to "Up From Slavery," Covering the Author's Experiences in Industrial Training at Tuskegee. Illustrated. New York: Doubleday, Page, 1904. Reprinted New York: Arno Press, 1969. Reprinted New York: Negro Universities Press, 1969. Description: In publicizing the history, programs, and philosophy of his school, the famous principal of Tuskegee Institute also alludes to his own activities and contributions (former slave) Duke holds the 1904 edition. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 923.773 W317A; Additional copy-- Perkins 923.773 W317A

Wells [Barnett], Ida B. (1862-1931).

Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells. Edited and Introduction by Alfreda M. Duster. Foreword by John Hope Franklin. Illustrated. Bibliography. Index. Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1970. Reprinted Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1972. Description: Born a slave in MS; later a noted civil rights worker, civic leader, teacher, newspaper editor, and journalist; active in the NAACP; discusses her life through 1921 and 1927. Duke holds the 1970 edition and the 1972 reprint. Duke Location: 1970 edition-- Special Collections E #20689; 1972 reprint-- Perkins 973.0496073 W453 C957 1972

Williams, Isaac D. (1821-1898).

Sunshine and Shadow of Slave Life: Reminiscences as Told by Isaac D. Williams to "Tege." East Saginaw, MI: Evening News Printing & Binding House, 1885. Description: Former VA slave who escaped to Canada in 1858 via Underground Railroad; laborer in Canada and Michigan. Duke Location: Special Collections Pamphlet Collection #3925

Williams, James (b. 1825).

Life and Adventures of James Williams, a Fugitive Slave, with a Full Description of the Underground Railroad. San Francisco: Women's Union Print, 1873. Reprinted Philadelphia: Rhistoric Publications, 1969. Reprinted Saratoga: R&E Research Associates, 1969. Description: Former slave in MD who escaped to PA in 1838; experiences of working for Underground Railroad, as a gold miner and businessman in CA and Nevada, and worked for A.M.E. church in Sacramento; includes vignettes of other slaves known by author Duke holds the 1969 Saratoga reprint. Duke Location: Special Collections Off-Site Stacks 326.92 W724

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