One More Valley, One More Hill, Post 3

Chapters 2-3

"Jumping the Broom"
A phrase used when
slaves get married

In the first sentence of chapter 2, the author jumps to the time when Clara is 18 years old, in 1818. Clara's owner bought another slave, Richard. He proposed to Clara, Clara said yes, and that was that. Wait, no it wasn't! In order for slaves to marry they had to ask permission from their owners. Not only did he allow it, he and his wife planned a grand wedding. I find it amazing that a slaveowner would care that much to actually plan a wedding. Believe it or not, Clara and her husband actually got to live together, a rarity in her time. Richard was a carpenter, and he was very good at it.

Within two years after her marriage, Clara had her first child. By 1826, Clara had a total of four children. Clara did not get to name her own children, because they were classified as "property". The master always named the slaves' children.

Suddenly, when Clara was about 34 years old, her life was changed forever. Her daughter, Paulina Ann, drowned in the creek. All efforts were made to save her, but none prevailed. Paulina Ann's twin sister turned into a mess. She had crying fits constantly, and could not control herself. People said she was crazy, but Clara knew that wasn't true. Within two more years, Clara's mother died, and so did Master Smith. Needless to say, life was hard on Clara. Money was tight for the Smiths, and they had to sell some things, including slaves. Clara and her family were put up for auction, at what I think seemed to be like a state fair (minus the slaves). There was music, lemonade, dancing, and slaves for sale. Clara cringed as her daughter was taken away from her.