The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IT WAS CUSTOMARY AND ACCEPTABLE IN NORTH CAROLINA
FOR A WHITE MAN TO POSSESS NEGRO QUADRUN WIVES (1/4
WIVES) BEFORE HE MARRIED A WHITE WOMAN. UPON MARRIAGE
TO A WHITE WOMAN, HE USUALLY GAVE UP THESE WIVES, SET THEM
UP IN A SMALL HOUSE, FREED THEM, AND GAVE THEM ENOUGH
TO LIVE ON FOR SOME TIME. SOME MEN, HOWEVER, KEPT A
FEW AFTER MARRIAGE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; NORTH CAROLINA

Date learned: 10-00-1968