Interview: Whittenberg, Ezra W.
Item
Identifier
Mss-0282, Tape 101-104
Title
Interview: Whittenberg, Ezra W.
Type
Sound
Format
.mp3
Language
English
Source
Black Heritage in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina Collection
Rights
Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives. All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
Date
1990-07-03
Description
Ezra W. Whittenberg was born on August 10, 1901 in the Piedmont region of Greenville County, SC. He was the son of William L. and Carrie Ross Whittenberg. After obtaining a BS degree in Agriculture from South Carolina State, he was an educator in Upstate SC. He died on October 17, 1990.
Cassette 1
Side 1
1:24--His paternal grandparents were Jonas and Sara McKinney Whittenberg. His maternal grandparents were Jerry and Mariah Ross.
2:51--His grandfather Jonas was originally a slave from the Portsmouth, Virginia area. A white owner from Greenville County, SC named Grey bought him off the block in order that he began work at a gristmill. After freedom, Jonas took the name of his former master from Virginia. Mr. Whittenberg was a much kinder master than was Mr. Grey, who was harsher in his treatment.
9:24--Mr. Whittenberg knew his maternal grandparents fairly well; they lived to a much older age than those on his paternal side. Jerry Ross had been a local minister as well as a worker on the Southern Railroad (Charlotte to Atlanta) while still a slave. His grandfather said that many bodies of slaves who died while laying the track are buried up and down the line.
15:27--Mr. Whittenberg begins to recall at length several aspects of local education. The Black Baptist Association was heavily involved with the foundation of schools. In addition, he discusses the efforts of Mr. Rosenwald and Mr. Huff, two men who were important financial contributors to black educations. Whittenberg names the location of seven local Rosenwald schools.
28:15--Most of his family is buried at Reedy Forks Baptist Church in Greenville County, SC. His oldest sister is buried at Pleasant Grove near Ware Place, SC.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:30--His wife's grandfather was McKinney Daniel. Mr. Daniel was the postmaster in West Union, SC; his route and responsibilities are recalled. He owned 300 acres of land; Mr. Whittenberg takes time to point out the landmarks in all directions that encompass this land. Mr. Whittenberg then points out the property lines of both Mr. Darby's as well as his own. The location of the McKinney family cemetery is given.
13:37--Mr. Whittenberg names his siblings: Mamie, Daniel, Sylvester, Henrietta, Anna Bell, Essie (died), Priscilla, Preston, John B., William, A. Jonas, Clarence (died), and Geneva.
16:14--His wife was from the Cureton family. Her siblings were: Lillie, Jasper, (?), Bessie, Johnnie, Edward, Henson, Suzy Bell, and Melva.
17:02--The family photo album was lost at some point along the way; it contained photos from both sides of the family.
18:24--His father-in-law John Columbus Curitan (?) built the house he is currently living in. Mr. Whittenberg gives a lengthy tour, pointing out architectural aspects and rooms that have been added on over the years.
28:09--Mr. Whittenberg recalls farming with a thrashing machine and receiving around 1/10 of the grain collected as payment.
31:45--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:19--Whittenberg continues discussing aspects of thrashing, bagging, and transporting grain crops.
1:55--After freedom, his paternal grandfather continued to be a milliner, while his grandmother took care of the home. His maternal grandfather Jerry Ross was involved in farming and ministerial work in Cherokee County, SC.
5:15--His oldest brother Daniel left for Virginia to work in the coal mines for a time before returning to Cherokee County, SC.
7:31--His brothers Daniel and Sylvester both served in World War I.
12:39--Employment opportunities for black men were limited, other than farming or contract work. Women did domestic work.
15:38--Shopping--most shopping was done in Simpsonville, Piedmont, or Greenville at white-owned general stores. His mother made most clothing at home. Shoes, neckties, and accessories were store-bought.
19:12--His father would order fish from Charleston, SC. Whittenberg recalls the packing and preservation of the fish. They were sold for $0.35 per string.
23:36--Furniture--he points out prominent pieces in the home that have been passed down through the generations.
25:55--Whittenberg describes a "what-not" that was made by McKinley Daniel as well as tools that were passed down to him.
31:40--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:14--Whittenberg concludes his comments regarding tools passed down from his father.
2:06--Family talents included preaching, as well as needle and cloth work. He goes on to describe a few steps in quilting design and homemade clothing.
6:40--Tornadoes were an unknown phenomenon in his youth; he had never heard of such things until he was a teenager. He tells of one incident involving a tornado that hit a Belton, SC textile mill.
13:40--The flu epidemic hit his family hard, though none died as a result.
15:03--Whittenberg goes on to discuss the first black undertaker in Greenville County before giving a brief glimpse into funeral practices in his youth.
20:45--Dr. Dupree and Dr. Richardson both made house calls during times of sickness. He recalls common medicines, doses, etc.
25:15--Church--His family were all Baptists. They attended Reedy Forks Baptist Church; his uncle Frank Whittenberg was a minister there. Worship services were held once a month; Sunday school was held every week.
31:45--Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side 1
00:32-13:50--Mr. Whittenberg tells a lengthy story regarding the first meeting with his future wife.
13:55--Burials/funerals--Whittenberg describes the work of local Benevolent Burial Aids Societies. He recalls how much a typical burial might cost, and the terms of agreement that were often worked out between these societies and local families. He helped his father build caskets for the community.
17:55--Whittenberg briefly finishes the story regarding the occasion on which he first met his wife.
20:00-Mr. Whittenberg did not marry until the age of 27. He explains that he promised his father while he was on his deathbed to look after his youngest daughter Geneva [Whittenberg's sister], and to make sure she got an education. He followed his father's wishes, and saw to it that she established herself before he himself married and started a career. He names the places where he was an educator as well as an insurance agent.
26:12--Church--other notable local denominations were the Methodists and Church of God. Most of these churches had their own cemeteries. He goes on to recall camp meetings and singing conventions.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side 2
00:15--Church--singing schools were held once a week for people not in the church choir. Whites occasionally attended his church; they especially liked the style and delivery of the black preachers. Church groups included the Women's Auxiliary, and the Baptist Young People's Union.
4:54--Education--he started at a one-room schoolhouse at Reedy Forks. One teacher (Mrs. Bernie Sullivan) taught seven grades. He had to walk 4 miles to and from school. There was an hour difference in the start times between the black and white schools. Black schools opened at 9:30am and closed at 3:00pm. The school year lasted only three months. He goes on to describe the benches that students sat in, general curriculum, and lunch and recess activities. He traces his education from elementary school in Simpsonville through Morris and South Carolina State Colleges. He went on to teach agriculture locally. He states that he himself planted the white oak trees at the East End School in the early days of his teaching career.
28:41--Mamie (his oldest sister) was the first in the family to attend college.
31:27--He begins recollections of college by listing the items in his wardrobe.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 4
Side 1
00:07--Mr. Whittenberg relates some of his experiences while in college [Morris and South Carolina State]. He describes the mail delivery job he had while in college during his early years; his last year he worked as a night watchman. After several years at Morris College, he transferred to South Carolina State and there received a BS in Agriculture.
5:14--Whittenberg lists the educational level of several of his siblings.
8:06--When he was growing up, books, newspapers, and magazines were always available in the house.
8:57--He didn't learn specifics of "black history" until college.
11:17--Organizations and social groups that his family members were a part of included the Odd Fellow's Club, Benevolent Society, and quilting clubs.
12:57--Politics/voting--Whittenberg's father was the first member of the family to vote.
15:20--His parent's related stories to him when he was a youth that reminded him to be careful around whites. He tells a short story as an example: he hasn't worn a hat in public since the age of fifteen. Blacks had to tip their hats to passing whites. Even if a black was busy out in the fields plowing, he had to be on the lookout for any whites that might be passing through the area. If the black failed to see the white passing while doing his job in the field, and subsequently not tip his hat, he was subject to being beaten.
17:38--The threat of lynching incidents cast fear over the black community. He had never heard of any specifically that occurred locally. As far as law enforcement goes, Mr. Whittenberg states that, "...the white man was the law."
18:20--Marriage relationships--just as today, some were equal and some were dominated by one or the other partner.
19:31--Black/white sexual relations occurred, but were not approved of. He relates a short story as an example of a typical situation: he knew of an unmarried powerful white landowner in Abbeville, SC who kept a black mistress for himself. They had many children, and some were sent to South Carolina State to be educated.
22:13--Mulattos--there were many in his local area; he states that there were even churches who accepted only mulatto members into their congregations. Some could "pass for white." His brother had a mulatto friend; Whittenberg recalls a story in which the friend was served at a restaurant, while his brother was asked to leave.
24:03--Mr. Whittenberg states that Native Americans didn't live in his community.
24:25--His family occasionally made shopping trips to Greenville and Anderson.
25:07--Celebrations/holidays--July 4th was an important holiday where family and friends would gather in fellowship. Baseball games were popular during lay-by-time [between growing seasons]. Christmas was celebrated with a visit from Santa Claus, who brought fruits and gifts. Birthdays were recognized, but anniversaries were not. Hot-suppers and church auctions were both popular fundraising events.
28:42--His mother prized quilts and quilt making. He describes her popular sunflower design that was incorporated into her quilts. His father prized the architectural aspects of carpentry.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 4
Side 2
00:20--Whittenberg recalls that he most admired and liked teachers and uncles [he doesn't name specific individuals].
1:04--He thought nothing of being black; he didn't really relate to whites.
1:49--His wish is that the two races would accept each other more readily. He goes on to briefly recall how he was the first black person to run for the Oconee County Council. The top five were elected; he came in sixth out of fourteen candidates, narrowly missing the office.
5:00--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 1
1:24--His paternal grandparents were Jonas and Sara McKinney Whittenberg. His maternal grandparents were Jerry and Mariah Ross.
2:51--His grandfather Jonas was originally a slave from the Portsmouth, Virginia area. A white owner from Greenville County, SC named Grey bought him off the block in order that he began work at a gristmill. After freedom, Jonas took the name of his former master from Virginia. Mr. Whittenberg was a much kinder master than was Mr. Grey, who was harsher in his treatment.
9:24--Mr. Whittenberg knew his maternal grandparents fairly well; they lived to a much older age than those on his paternal side. Jerry Ross had been a local minister as well as a worker on the Southern Railroad (Charlotte to Atlanta) while still a slave. His grandfather said that many bodies of slaves who died while laying the track are buried up and down the line.
15:27--Mr. Whittenberg begins to recall at length several aspects of local education. The Black Baptist Association was heavily involved with the foundation of schools. In addition, he discusses the efforts of Mr. Rosenwald and Mr. Huff, two men who were important financial contributors to black educations. Whittenberg names the location of seven local Rosenwald schools.
28:15--Most of his family is buried at Reedy Forks Baptist Church in Greenville County, SC. His oldest sister is buried at Pleasant Grove near Ware Place, SC.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 1
Side 2
00:30--His wife's grandfather was McKinney Daniel. Mr. Daniel was the postmaster in West Union, SC; his route and responsibilities are recalled. He owned 300 acres of land; Mr. Whittenberg takes time to point out the landmarks in all directions that encompass this land. Mr. Whittenberg then points out the property lines of both Mr. Darby's as well as his own. The location of the McKinney family cemetery is given.
13:37--Mr. Whittenberg names his siblings: Mamie, Daniel, Sylvester, Henrietta, Anna Bell, Essie (died), Priscilla, Preston, John B., William, A. Jonas, Clarence (died), and Geneva.
16:14--His wife was from the Cureton family. Her siblings were: Lillie, Jasper, (?), Bessie, Johnnie, Edward, Henson, Suzy Bell, and Melva.
17:02--The family photo album was lost at some point along the way; it contained photos from both sides of the family.
18:24--His father-in-law John Columbus Curitan (?) built the house he is currently living in. Mr. Whittenberg gives a lengthy tour, pointing out architectural aspects and rooms that have been added on over the years.
28:09--Mr. Whittenberg recalls farming with a thrashing machine and receiving around 1/10 of the grain collected as payment.
31:45--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 1
00:19--Whittenberg continues discussing aspects of thrashing, bagging, and transporting grain crops.
1:55--After freedom, his paternal grandfather continued to be a milliner, while his grandmother took care of the home. His maternal grandfather Jerry Ross was involved in farming and ministerial work in Cherokee County, SC.
5:15--His oldest brother Daniel left for Virginia to work in the coal mines for a time before returning to Cherokee County, SC.
7:31--His brothers Daniel and Sylvester both served in World War I.
12:39--Employment opportunities for black men were limited, other than farming or contract work. Women did domestic work.
15:38--Shopping--most shopping was done in Simpsonville, Piedmont, or Greenville at white-owned general stores. His mother made most clothing at home. Shoes, neckties, and accessories were store-bought.
19:12--His father would order fish from Charleston, SC. Whittenberg recalls the packing and preservation of the fish. They were sold for $0.35 per string.
23:36--Furniture--he points out prominent pieces in the home that have been passed down through the generations.
25:55--Whittenberg describes a "what-not" that was made by McKinley Daniel as well as tools that were passed down to him.
31:40--Audio ends.
Cassette 2
Side 2
00:14--Whittenberg concludes his comments regarding tools passed down from his father.
2:06--Family talents included preaching, as well as needle and cloth work. He goes on to describe a few steps in quilting design and homemade clothing.
6:40--Tornadoes were an unknown phenomenon in his youth; he had never heard of such things until he was a teenager. He tells of one incident involving a tornado that hit a Belton, SC textile mill.
13:40--The flu epidemic hit his family hard, though none died as a result.
15:03--Whittenberg goes on to discuss the first black undertaker in Greenville County before giving a brief glimpse into funeral practices in his youth.
20:45--Dr. Dupree and Dr. Richardson both made house calls during times of sickness. He recalls common medicines, doses, etc.
25:15--Church--His family were all Baptists. They attended Reedy Forks Baptist Church; his uncle Frank Whittenberg was a minister there. Worship services were held once a month; Sunday school was held every week.
31:45--Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side 1
00:32-13:50--Mr. Whittenberg tells a lengthy story regarding the first meeting with his future wife.
13:55--Burials/funerals--Whittenberg describes the work of local Benevolent Burial Aids Societies. He recalls how much a typical burial might cost, and the terms of agreement that were often worked out between these societies and local families. He helped his father build caskets for the community.
17:55--Whittenberg briefly finishes the story regarding the occasion on which he first met his wife.
20:00-Mr. Whittenberg did not marry until the age of 27. He explains that he promised his father while he was on his deathbed to look after his youngest daughter Geneva [Whittenberg's sister], and to make sure she got an education. He followed his father's wishes, and saw to it that she established herself before he himself married and started a career. He names the places where he was an educator as well as an insurance agent.
26:12--Church--other notable local denominations were the Methodists and Church of God. Most of these churches had their own cemeteries. He goes on to recall camp meetings and singing conventions.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 3
Side 2
00:15--Church--singing schools were held once a week for people not in the church choir. Whites occasionally attended his church; they especially liked the style and delivery of the black preachers. Church groups included the Women's Auxiliary, and the Baptist Young People's Union.
4:54--Education--he started at a one-room schoolhouse at Reedy Forks. One teacher (Mrs. Bernie Sullivan) taught seven grades. He had to walk 4 miles to and from school. There was an hour difference in the start times between the black and white schools. Black schools opened at 9:30am and closed at 3:00pm. The school year lasted only three months. He goes on to describe the benches that students sat in, general curriculum, and lunch and recess activities. He traces his education from elementary school in Simpsonville through Morris and South Carolina State Colleges. He went on to teach agriculture locally. He states that he himself planted the white oak trees at the East End School in the early days of his teaching career.
28:41--Mamie (his oldest sister) was the first in the family to attend college.
31:27--He begins recollections of college by listing the items in his wardrobe.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 4
Side 1
00:07--Mr. Whittenberg relates some of his experiences while in college [Morris and South Carolina State]. He describes the mail delivery job he had while in college during his early years; his last year he worked as a night watchman. After several years at Morris College, he transferred to South Carolina State and there received a BS in Agriculture.
5:14--Whittenberg lists the educational level of several of his siblings.
8:06--When he was growing up, books, newspapers, and magazines were always available in the house.
8:57--He didn't learn specifics of "black history" until college.
11:17--Organizations and social groups that his family members were a part of included the Odd Fellow's Club, Benevolent Society, and quilting clubs.
12:57--Politics/voting--Whittenberg's father was the first member of the family to vote.
15:20--His parent's related stories to him when he was a youth that reminded him to be careful around whites. He tells a short story as an example: he hasn't worn a hat in public since the age of fifteen. Blacks had to tip their hats to passing whites. Even if a black was busy out in the fields plowing, he had to be on the lookout for any whites that might be passing through the area. If the black failed to see the white passing while doing his job in the field, and subsequently not tip his hat, he was subject to being beaten.
17:38--The threat of lynching incidents cast fear over the black community. He had never heard of any specifically that occurred locally. As far as law enforcement goes, Mr. Whittenberg states that, "...the white man was the law."
18:20--Marriage relationships--just as today, some were equal and some were dominated by one or the other partner.
19:31--Black/white sexual relations occurred, but were not approved of. He relates a short story as an example of a typical situation: he knew of an unmarried powerful white landowner in Abbeville, SC who kept a black mistress for himself. They had many children, and some were sent to South Carolina State to be educated.
22:13--Mulattos--there were many in his local area; he states that there were even churches who accepted only mulatto members into their congregations. Some could "pass for white." His brother had a mulatto friend; Whittenberg recalls a story in which the friend was served at a restaurant, while his brother was asked to leave.
24:03--Mr. Whittenberg states that Native Americans didn't live in his community.
24:25--His family occasionally made shopping trips to Greenville and Anderson.
25:07--Celebrations/holidays--July 4th was an important holiday where family and friends would gather in fellowship. Baseball games were popular during lay-by-time [between growing seasons]. Christmas was celebrated with a visit from Santa Claus, who brought fruits and gifts. Birthdays were recognized, but anniversaries were not. Hot-suppers and church auctions were both popular fundraising events.
28:42--His mother prized quilts and quilt making. He describes her popular sunflower design that was incorporated into her quilts. His father prized the architectural aspects of carpentry.
31:44--Audio ends.
Cassette 4
Side 2
00:20--Whittenberg recalls that he most admired and liked teachers and uncles [he doesn't name specific individuals].
1:04--He thought nothing of being black; he didn't really relate to whites.
1:49--His wish is that the two races would accept each other more readily. He goes on to briefly recall how he was the first black person to run for the Oconee County Council. The top five were elected; he came in sixth out of fourteen candidates, narrowly missing the office.
5:00--Audio ends.
Subject
African Americans -- History. -- South Carolina -- Oconee County
Interviewer
Harrell, Yolanda
Interviewee
Whittenberg, Ezra W.
Spatial Coverage
West Union, Oconee County, South Carolina, United States, 34.75937, -83.043, SC, 7172088, [34.75937, -83.043] [id:7172088]
Publisher
Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Repository
