Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States | Page 8

was before or has been since. The wonderful manner in which the stars shot across the heavens by the thousands, when every sign seemed to point to the destruction of the earth, left a lasting impression upon her brain.
Aunt Edie says that she was kindly treated by her masters. She says that they took interest in the spiritual welfare of their slaves and that they were called in for prayer meeting regularly. Aunt Edie was such an old woman when she was freed that the new condition meant very little change in life for her, as she had about stopped work, with the exception of light tasks about the house.
There seems to be no doubt that Aunt Edie is 109 years old. She talks intelligently about things that occurred 100 years ago. All her children, grandchildren, etc., asserts that her age is exactly as stated. Indeed, they have been the custodians of her age, so to speak, for nearly half a century. It was a matter of great interest to her family when she passed the 100 mark.
Aunt Edie is religious and she delights in discussing scriptural matters. She has practical notions, however, and while she is morally sure she will go to a better world when she dies, she remarks, "That we know something about this world, but nothing about the next."
Perhaps this is one reason why Aunt Edie has stayed here 109 years.
* * * * *
NOTE: Mary Gladdy (806-1/2 - Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Georgia). A grand-daughter of Edie Dennis, states that her grandmother died in 1901, aged 110.

THE STORY OF CHUCK, AS TOLD BY MARY GLADDY.
Chuck was a very intelligent and industrious slave, but so religious that he annoyed his master by doing so much praying, chanting, and singing.
So, while in a spiteful mood one day, this master sold the Negro to an infidel. And this infidel, having no respect for religion whatsoever, beat Chuck unmercifully in an effort to stop him from indulging in his devotions. But, the more and the harder the infidel owner whipped Chuck, the more devout and demonstrative the slave became.
Finally, one day, the infidel was stricken ill unto death; the wicked man felt that his end was near and he was afraid to die. Moreover, his conscience rebuked him for his cruel treatment of this slave. The family doctor had given the infidel up: the man apparently had but a few hours to live. Then, about 8 o'clock at night, the dying man asked his wife to go down in the slave quarter and ask Chuck if he would come to his bedside and pray for him.
The white lady went, as requested, and found Chuck on his knees, engaged in prayer.
"Chuck", she called, "your master is dying and has sent me to beg you to come and pray for him."
"Why, Maddom", replied Chuck, "I has been praying fer Marster tonight--already, and I'll gladly go with you."
Chuck then went to his Master's bed side and prayed for him all night, and the Lord heard Chuck's prayers, and the white man recovered, was converted, joined the church, and became an evangelist. He also freed Chuck and made an evangelist of him. Then the two got in a buggy and, for years, traveled together all over the country, preaching the gospel and saving souls.
NOTE: Mary Gladdy believes this to be a true story, though she knew neither the principals involved, nor where nor when they lived and labored. She says that the story has been "handed down", and she once saw it printed in, and thus confirmed by, a Negro publication--long after she had originally heard it.
KEEP THE FIRE BURNING WHILE YOUR SOUL'S FIRED UP.
Fire, fire, O, keep the fire burning while your soul's fired up. O, keep the fire burning while your soul's fired up; Never mind what satan says while your soul's fired up. You ain't going to learn how to watch and pray, Less you keep the fire burning while your soul's fired up.
Old Satan is a liar and a cunjorer, too; If you don't mind, he'll cunjor you; Keep the fire burning while your =soul's fired up=. Never mind what satan says while, your soul's fired up.
Sung for interviewer by:
Mary Gladdy, Ex-slave, 806-1/2 - Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Georgia. December 17, 1936.
THE GOSPEL TRAIN
Never seen the like since I've been born, The people keep a-coming, and the train's done gone; Too late, too late, the train's done gone, Too late, sinner, too late, the train's done gone; Never seen the like since I've been born, The people keep a-coming, and the train's done gone; Too late, too late, the train's done gone.
Went down into the valley to watch and pray, My soul got happy and I stayed all day; Too late, too late, the train's done gone; Too late, sinner, too