Posted 2 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This Real Photo PostCard shows Ambrose Douglas in his 90s.
His personal and family story were captured in 1937 through the Federal Writers Project, Slave Narrative. The program was part of the FDR WPA and sought to document American history.
Douglas was born free and was enslaved during a trip south near the beginning of the Civil War. He spent the war as a slave, until freed by advancing Union liberators as the war ended.
During his 95 years, Douglas won some fame for the 38 children that he fathered!
His story can be easily found online and is a very interesting read. The Library of Congress has his interview available as well.
DOPS stamp box confirms a late 1930s date on the photograph.
scott
nice find and story...thanks
Thank you joelean— appreciate you looking and commenting.
scott
Thanks fort, obscure and kwqd.
scott
Thanks watchsearcher and vetraio.
scott
I misread the interview-- MR Ambrose was actually enslaved from infancy in 1845, until the end of the Civil War.
Those interested in the actual WPA interview:
https://www.loc.gov/resource/mesn.030/?sp=104
scott
Thanks for looking scott!
scott
Thanks kiva and 33.
scott
Great postcard and story! 38 children, WOW!!
Thanks scott— appreciate you looking and commenting.
Yep— 38, I thought 5 was a lot!
scott
Thanks tom!
scott
Thanks hotair.
scott