| Robert Glenn’s enslaver sold him away from his family at a young age. In this excerpt he describes how the son of his enslaver took it upon himself to teach him how to read and write, which was uncommon and often illegal. |
Excerpt:
Master Moore had four children, among whom was one boy about my age. The girls were named Atona, Beulah, and Minnie, and the boy was named Crosby. He was mighty brilliant. We played together. He was the only white boy there, and he took a great liking to me, and we loved each devotedly. Once in an undertone he asked me how I would like to have an education. I was overjoyed at the suggestion and he at once began to teach me secretly. I studied hard and he soon had me so I could read and write well. I continued studying and he continued teaching me. He furnished me books and slipped all the papers he could get to me and I was the best educated Negro in the community without anyone except the slaves knowing what was going on.
| Interviewee Formerly enslaved person | Birth Year (Age) | Interviewer WPA Volunteer | Enslaver’s Name |
| Robert Glenn | 1850 (87) | T. Pat Matthews | Bob Hall, William Moore |
| Interview Location | Residence State | Birth Location |
| Raleigh, NC | North Carolina | Hillsboro, NC |
| Themes & Keywords | Additional Tags: |
| Literacy | First person, education |
Glenn_R_2