Charlie Smith

Mr. Smith was born in c.1844 in Liberia, Africa and was allegedly 130 years old at the time of this interview. In the interview, he talks about being brought over on a slave ship from Africa, the buying and selling of slaves in New Orleans, the Civil War, the naming of him by his master, his relationship with his master and his time spent in slavery.

Recorded on March 17, 1975 in Bartow, Florida. Interviewer is historian and folklorist Elmer Sparks.

Note: Controversy exists about the validity of Smith’s claims. For more information, read his Wikipedia page here.