SLAVE NARRATIVES - Library of Congress

Tom Robinson 7 Q*J
^ What did I do after the war was over? I farmed*
I farmed all my life, *til I got too old* I stopped three—•
four years ago. I lives with my son -Dave Robinson-T***
the one I named for my master*
How did I farm ? Bid I share crop ? No, ma'amf *
( sharply as tho repremanding the inquirer for an undeserved
insult*) n I didn't share crop, except just at first to get a
staft* I rented* I paid thirds and four this* I always
rented. I wasn't a share-cropper* *
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♦socially and economically sharp distinctions are
drawn between the different classes of renters, both by
owners and tenants themselvea* Families whom ambition and
circumstances have allowed to accumulate enough surplus to
buy farm implements and have food for a year ahead look with
scorn on fellow farmers who thru inertia or bad luck must be
furnished food and the wherewithall to farm* In turn, families
that have forged ahead sufficiently to be able to pay cash rent
on farms they cultivate look down on both of the other groups*