ARCRAWFO-L Archives

From:
Subject: Crawford County Slave--Pt. 3
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 21:00:01 EST

This is the testimony of Loretta Harrell, who testified on Lydia Talkington's
behalf to receive her widow's pension. Loretta was white, who lived in
Dripping Springs as a child. Loretta's mother was Mary Walters who was the
mistress of Lydia Talkington.
Loretta told the story to the pension bureau of her knowledge of Lydia during
almost her entire life, and her story corroborates the story of the wedding
ceremony of Lydia to John Talkington. The ceremony was held in Loretta's
mother's house.

-Angela-

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October 18th, 1893

Partial Transcription of:

The Deposition of Loretta M. Harrell
on behalf of Lydia Talkington
Widow of John Talkington, Pvt. 83rd U.S. Colored Infantry
Van Buren, Arkansas
October 18th, 1893

".......I don't know exactly my age, but am somewhere on eighty, I reckon. I
have no occupation as I am too old. My residence and post office address is
Statler, Crawford, Co. Arkansas.

I have known Lydia Talkington nearly all of her life. As well as I remember
my step-father Hiram Walters, when shew as six years of age bought her, this
was in Illinois. We moved to Arkansas in 1838 and I have lived right in this
neighborhood ever since. I married about 1840. I know that Lydia stayed with
my mother Mary Walters up to the War. My step father died in Illinois. During
all of this time I knew her intimately and I saw her nearly every day. I
knew John Talkington before the war. I don't' know how long. He belonged to
Isaac Talkington, and he stayed in his possession up to the war.

I know that Lydia and John Talkington were married ay my house. My mother was
staying with me at the time, and as Lydia lived with my mothere she was
staying here at the time. I don't remember whether I was the marriage
ceremony or not, it seems like I did, but I couldn't say that I did. I
remember the time and the preparation of a supper and I expect I helped to
prepare it, but I won't be certain. I was the preacher when he came. His
name was Hal Bowen. I know that John Talkington was here, there were several
colored people there and I know they had a supper and they lived together
after that as man and wife. Lydia lived in my mother's kitchen and John
would come to see her. I don't know how often but likely about once a week.

I don't think they were married very long until the war broke out, I can't
tell how long it was. They lived here during the war just as they had before
until the Negroes were set free, and then John carried her to Van Buren
Crawford, Co. Arkansas. He went into the service and I heard he was killed.
I have known Lydia since the war. She hasn't married or co-habitated with any
man that I know of.

Lydia has a son. I did know his fathers name but I have forgotten She also
had another child but it died. I don't think she was married this time. I
think she had a man for a husband, named Wooseley, but I don't know whether
she was married to him or not. I have known but I am so old that if I ever
knew it has gone from me.

...........Mrs. Mary Matlock is hte only person whom I know that might know
anythignab out this case. I can't give any estimate at all of the itme where
the Wooselye Negro disappeared and alydia's marriage to Talkington. I have
understood your questions and I am correctly recorded.

L. M. Harrell
(her signature)

Deponent

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 18th of Octo 1893 and I certify
that the conttnest were fully made known to depponent before signing.

Richard H. Jones
Special Examinaer

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