Jane Davis Ward, Choctaw Freedwoman

Item

Name
Jane Davis Ward, Choctaw Freedwoman
Age
118-122
Location
Atoka, Oklahoma
Nation
Choctaw
In her own words

Jane Davis Ward was born January 1, 1815 at Ft. Towson, Indian Territory. Father’s name was Isom Flint born in Mississippi. Mother was Meliza Flint born in Mississippi.

 Aunt Jane Ward "as she is called by every one," says she is 118 years of age.  She is the mother of 21 children -- ten girls and eleven boys.  Only one living.  Her master's name was Gim Davis.  Davis owned 21 slaves.  He was a good kind master and the slaves had everything they wanted.

She said the Indians were contented and happy at Ft. Towson.  She is half Choctaw.  She "doctored" the Indians and negroes with the herbs growing in the woods.  some of these herbs are:  Cherokee cough weed, numba weed, corn root and butterfly root.

She is half Choctaw.  She "doctored" the Indians and negroes with the herbs growing in the woods.  some of these herbs are:  Cherokee cough weed, numba weed, corn root and butterfly root.

She has a yellow gold ring which she has worn 50 years.  She also has the cards that she used to card cotton for the quilts she made for her mistress.  She has the musket her husband used in the war.  Her first husband was killed in battle.  His name was Willis Harkins.  He was Choctaw.  She has a gold c up that is 75 years old.

She is still active and colored people all over Oklahoma bring their babies to her when they are sick for her to treat.  She still uses herbs.  One of these herbs grows in her daughter's back yard.  Her daughter with whom she lives is Mrs. Fay Croones.

She is still active and colored people all over Oklahoma bring their babies to her when they are sick for her to treat.  She still uses herbs.  One of these herbs grows in her daughter's back yard.

Aunt Jane, the day I visited her, was piecing on a quilt block.  She does not wear glasses.  She was very much pleased when I made known my business and was ready to talk.  She is very much bent but her eyes are bright and her mind is alert and she smiles while she talks.  She has forgotten many things that happened to her, but she told me to come and see her again and she would tell me something more.

Aunt Jane, the day I visited her, was piecing on a quilt block.