Bios: Aunt Jane Knox, Former Slave, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
**********************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
**********************************************


 



>From the February 16, 1954 Winn Parish Enterprise-News-American

Aged Negro Woman Has Memories Of Slavery

Believed to the the oldest living survivor of either race in Winn Parish is
Jane Knox, Negro woman who lives in L & A addition here, and is believed to be
entering her 100th year.

But, like Aunt Jane said, "Back in slavery days, they didn't keep any account
of days and years," therefore she doesn't know exactly how old she is.  "They
just put you to work when you got big enough to work," she said.

Her children figure that she was born sometime during 1854 in Bienville
Parish.  Her parents were slaves in that parish, and she was born into
slavery.  She can recall the slave days, although she was not large enough to
do regular work when the slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. 
This came in 1863, which would have made her 11 or thereabouts if she is 100
now.

She does not "show her age," having her natural teeth, and being able to get
around in the house with the aid of a cane.  she does not get outside without
help, but attends church whenever she can, and "gets into the service" as well
as others.  She eats almost any foods she wants, and enjoys company.

She gives this recommendation for keeping one's health, "Do not smoke or drink
strong drinks, mind your own business and leave other people's alone."

Aunt Jane is the mother of 13 children.  She has two daughters and two sons
living now.  She has 35 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 20 great
grandchildren.  To the best of her recollection, her husband has been dead 37
or 38 years.  She has three sisters living in Louisiana.

(A photograph of Mrs. Knox accompanies this article, and shown in the photo
are two of her daughters and two grand daughters, but are not named. 
Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, LA.)