I wus married bout forty years ago, In Chat'nooga, Tenn-

essee.  Us married at de preacher's house,  with no big party ner put on.

Us been here en Springfield bout 29 or 30 years.  Both us belongs  ter

St. John Baptist Church."



Interviewd at residence; 709 South Center St.

Editor's note:

      Henry Bedford is 78, almost black, rather short and heavy,

with a full unwrinkled face, topped by snow White,  close cropped

hair.  He is still actively engaged in business, selling coal by

the basket, and operating a tennis court.




			

Works Progress Administration (WPA) Ex-Slave Narratives

Henry Bedford, Ex-Slave Narrative