[Biographical excerpt from J. W. Caradine‘s testimony]
ABERDEEN, MISS., June 26, 1876.
PERSONAL STATEMENT.
J. W. CARADINE (colored) sworn and examined.
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. Where do you live? – Answer. I live in Clay County.
Q. In what place, near what post-office? – A. Near West Point; that is my post-office. A little village named Siloam is nearest me, but no business is done there scarcely.
Q. How long have you lived there? – A. This is the second year.
Q. Where did you live before that? – A. In the neighborhood of Palo Alto, in the same county.
Q. What do you do? – A. Farm.
Q. Do you own land? – A. I have traded for some; I have not entirely paid for it yet.
Q. You have a right to own it? – A. Yes, sir.
Q. Have you taken any part in politics over there? – A. Well, a little, sir.
Q. Have you held any office? – A. I have, sir.
Q. What office have you held? – A. The first appointment I had was trustee in Chickasaw County, before Colfax was formed. After that, I was appointed as one of the school-directors. Since that I have been a member of the legislature.
Q. Do you read and write? – A. Yes, sir; a little.
Q. Have you learned that since the war? – A. Since the war. I did not know the alphabet before the war.
Q. What is your age? – A. I am going on 31; I was 30 the 16th of last February.