“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936″ implies memories of Bill Simms, who was a slave in Missouri and managed to migrate to Ottawa, where he began a new life. In general, the information is presented in monologue format, which was recorded in 1936 by an interviewer. The text was the part of the project “Slave Narrative: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves” (“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936” 42). Therefore, the chapter includes a description of a lifestyle as a slave and significant changes after the escapade.
This text is insightful and unique in its own way, as it allows to observe the living conditions of this category of the population. Bill Simms highlights the hardships he had to encounter while being a slave. For instance, his older sister was sold to another owner, as his master needed money. In addition, Bill Simms marks: “We never knew what boughten clothes were” (“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936” 42). Slaves were not allowed to speak to white people unless their master was acquainted with them due to the likelihood of the escapade. In general, masters attempted to keep their slaves in ignorance (“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936” 42). However, the interviewee claims that his master was among kind and pleasant ones and did not mention any violence in his or his family’s regard.
The reason why Bill Simms left his master’s home was the willingness of his relatives to receive a wealthy heritage, which may lead to the murder of all the slaves. After the escapade, the life of the slave changed drastically. He could earn sufficient sums of money in order to afford everything, which citizens could do. His daughters could enter school and university and receive an appropriate education. Bill Simms notices that his oldest daughter was the first colored girl, which finished that school (“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936” 43). Therefore, the living conditions of the former slave became decent, comparing to his life at the master’s house.
This story may provide the readers with numerous insights about the historical period, when Bill Simms lived. It is possible to notice that slavery still existed, though masters tended to treat them better than it was even a century ago. In addition, they were feared by the likelihood of their escapade. However, the living conditions of slaves were still poor, and they were significantly restricted. Another feature of this period is a tendency to gradually overcoming racism, as a colored girl could enter educational institutes. Moreover, Bill Simms could employ for a decent position and supply his family with everything they needed.
The text has some connections with “The Frontier as a Place of Ethnic and Religious Conflict”, written by Limerick. The author addresses the same topic, as Bill Simms told, though she proposed another perspective on this issue. Predominantly, Limerick describes the problem, which immigrants have to encounter, attempting to start a new life in a new place. She marks unsuccessful examples and highlights conflicts on the basis of ethical and religious diversity (Limerick 46). Therefore, the story of Bill Simms may supplement her narrative by providing an example of significant positive changes as a result of migration. Therefore, after reading both texts, it is possible to understand a comprehensive picture of the position of slaves and immigrants during this historical period.
References
“An Ex-Slave Recalls Migrating Across the Prairie, 1936.” Major Problems in American History, edited by Cobbs, Elizabeth, et al., Cengage Learning, 2011, p. 42-44.
Limerick, Patricia. “The Frontier as a Place of Ethnic and Religious Conflict.” Major Problems in American History, edited by Cobbs, Elizabeth, et al., Cengage Learning, 2011, p. 44-53.