Former slave comments on the first Yankee in Oxford
A former slave’s speech is featured in Jack Mayfield’s history column in Oxford Living this week. Read the fascinating words of Jim Neilson from his July 4, 1867 speech. (May 17, 2013, Page 2B)
Col. L.Q.C. Lamar and his Confederate commission to Europe
Historian and columnist Jack Mayfield writes this week about Lamar’s time in the Civil War and his following appointment as a diplomat overseas. (January 18, 2013, Page 2B)
Shaking the leaves of the family tree
Local columnist Deidra Jackson explores her thoughts about digging in her family background and exploring her family tree. (September 13, 2012, Page 4)
Some local landowners worked to improve the lives of slaves
Columnist and historian Jack Lamar Mayfield tells us about slave owners who tried to better the lives of their slaves — by teaching them to read and write or offering them jobs after the war ended. (February 24, 2012, Page 3B)
Pattyrollers roam the county looking for runaways
Columnist and local historian Jack Mayfield continues his series on slavery during the Civil War as part of Black History Month. (February 10, 2012, Page 2B)
A Wretch Like Me
John Newton made one of life’s biggest turnarounds, going from being a man involved with slavery to becoming a minister and composer of hymns. Local columnist Jimmy Reed takes a look at Newton’s life and some of his works. (February 7, 2012, Page 4)
The slave community during the Civil War years
In honor of Black History Month, columnist and local historian Jack Lamar Mayfield tells us about the men and women of color who were slaves in the Oxford area during the Civil War years and how the war affected their lives. (February 3, 2012, Page 3B)
