"I heard fathah en mothah talkin' bout patrollers whippin' slaves,

en treatin' some of em awful bad, en dey talked bout de Ku Klux Klan

doin' so much meanness."

	"Us had doctors when folks got sick, but sometimes folks jes' used

home remedies.  Dey made tansey tea en jimpson salve, en us tuk sulphur en 

'lasses in de spring of de year ter purify de blood.  En I guess people

still drink sassafras tea in de spring."



Interviewed at their residence: 809 Dibert Ave.

Editors note:

	Tap and Susie Hawkins, ex slaves, man and wife, the only ex-

slave married couple, both of whom are still living, on record at this

date, in Springfield or its surrounding area.

	Tap Hawkins is 87, with broad stooped shoulders, and weighs a 

bout 175 lbs.  His sking is dark, much wrinkled, and he is almost bald.

He occupies himself with the care of his garden, flowers, and door yard.


	Susie Hawkins is 79, rather light in color and has white hair.

She is a little over five feet in height and weighs 135 lbs.  Slight of 

figure and quick in her movements, she takes care of her own houseword and

keeps her home clean and comfortable.
			

Works Progress Administration (WPA) Ex-Slave Narratives

Tap Hawkins, Ex-Slave Narrative