The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A SLAVERY TIME STORY

A STORY TOLD MR. WRIGHT WHEN HE WAS A BOY AT THE TURN
OF THE CENTURY.
LOTS OF PEOPLE STAYED IN THE WOODS AND LIVED IN
CAVES AND AT NIGHT CAME OUT TO STEAL CHICKENS AND HOGS,
ETC. THEY WOULD GO UP TO A MAN'S HOUSE AND GRAB A
TURKEY AT ROOST. DOGS WERE KEPT TO TRACK THE THIEVES,
WHO WERE BAREFOOTED. BUT THE PEOPLE COULD OUTRUN
DOGS IN THOSE DAYS. THEY WOULD RUN TO THE FENCE, JUMP
OVER IT; THEY WOULD TAKE A CERTAIN WEED AND HIT THEIR
FEET WITH IT. THE DOGS COULDN'T TRAIL THE THIEVES
ANY LONGER BUT WOULD JUST WHINE AT THE FENCE.

Where learned: HOME

Date learned: 11-00-1967