Story by Frank Smith
Topic: Ex-slaves
Mahoning County, District #5
Youngstown, Ohio
The Story of MRS. PHOEBE BOST, of Youngstown, Ohio.
Mrs. Phoebe Bost, was born on a plantation in Louisiana, near
New Orleans. She does not know her exact age but says she was
told, when given her freedom that she was about 15 years of age.
Phoebe's first master was a man named Simons, who took her to a
slave auction in Baltimore, where she was sold to Vaul Mooney
(this name is spelled as pronounced, the correct spelling not
known.) When Phoebe was given her freedom she assummed the name
of Mooney, and went to Stanley County, North Carolina, where she
worked for wages until she came north and married to Peter Bost.
Phoebe claims both her masters were very mean and would
administer a whipping at the slightest provocation.
Phoebe's duties were that of a nurse maid. "I had to hol'
the baby all de time she slept" she said "and
sometimes I got so sleepy myself I had to prop ma' eyes open
with pieces of whisks from a broom."
She claims there was not any recreation, such as singing and
dancing permitted at this plantation.
Phoebe, who is now widowed, lives with her daughter, in part
of a double house, at 3461 Wilson Avenue, Campbell, Ohio. Their
home is fairly well furnished and clean in appearance. Phoebe is
of slender stature, and is quite active in spite of the fact
that she is nearing her nineties.
Submitted and Transcribed by Sandi Cummins
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