Black Gold, Volume 3, Number 2, 1977 Page: 40
52 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Ear/y Days in Beckvi//e
(The J. D. Whitakers)
BLACK GOLD interviewed Mr. J. D. Whitaker
and wife, Beatrice, concerning ealy life in the
Beckville community.
J. D. Whitaker was born January 19,1898.
He is now 79 years old. He came to Beckville in
November 1909 when he was II years old. His
father was Joe Whitaker fromNacondoches, Texas.
His grandfather, David Whitaker, came to Nacoto-
doches from Memphis,Tennessee. He won his free-
dom while in Memphis and after moving to Nacodo-
ches; David lived to be 118 years of age. He
died about 1865.
J. D. Whitaker first began farming by
sharecropping. Sharecropping was a major method
of farming during this time. Corn, peanuts,
sweet potatoes, and cotton were some of the many
items planted during this time. Not having the
modern conveniences as we have today, the mule
and plow served as useful purpose. Also there
was not as many cattle as farmers have now.
Fifteen cows were considered a lot of cattle
then.
The railroad also contributed to community
life in early Beckville. Also in the year of40
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Panola College. Dept. of Communications. Black Gold, Volume 3, Number 2, 1977, periodical, 1977; Carthage, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth151415/m1/42/: accessed April 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Panola College.