Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project - World War I
Series Number: OH025
Interviewee: Pryor, William 1890-
Interviewer: Bill Peyton
Date interviewed: September 27, 1979
Processed by: Sheree Wise
Date processed: February 8, 2010
Description: 1 sound disc (1 hour, 3 minutes)
Abstract: William Pryor, a resident of Paducah, Kentucky, discusses his experiences in World War I. They include recollections in military training camps, his voyage across the ocean to Europe in a navy convoy and conflicts amongst black and white soldiers. He recalls when he returned home from the war and the fact that the president of the company where he worked killed a man. Pryor mentions his mother who was a slave. He shares the stories she told such as being taught to read by white children, receiving punishment from owners and being set freed. In conclusion, Pryor tells of his move to Paducah, his marriage and the documents he lost in the flood of 1937.
Biographical / Historical note: William Pryor was born March 23, 1890 in Benton, Kentucky. He was drafted into the army and sent to Camp Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. He then reported to Newport News, Virginia where he remained a month before going to Brest, France by ship. He traveled to places such as Bardou, France and Jazz, France. He remained in Europe until a year after the Armistice was signed.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Benton, Kentucky
Camp Taylor, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Newport News, Virginia
Brest, France
Bardou, France
Jazz, France
Research Notes: Abstract and index included with oral history.
