Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project - Lifestyles
Series Number: OH101
Interviewee: Copeland, Cletus
Interviewer: Pasco, Kathryn
Date interviewed: November 12, 1979
Processed by: Tara Marcum
Date processed: May 17, 2011
Description: 1 sound disc (30 minutes)
Abstract: Cletus Copeland discusses his life in Western Kentucky during the early half of the 20th century. He describes attending school and church, working on the family farm and attending social and community activities during his childhood. He recalls attending church, the effects of the Great Depression and the increase of food and land prices during the Second World War. Copeland states that most African Americans in the area that could not find employment moved to places like Detroit, Michigan with hopes to find work. He also mentions the various jobs that he held, including farming, running a general store and road construction.
Biographical / Historical note: Cletus Copeland was born in Calloway County, Kentucky on July 29, 1903. His parents moved to Marshall County, Kentucky just prior to his first birthday. His father was a farmer that grew tobacco and corn and raised livestock. He attended the Darnell School and was a member of the Uson Baptist Church. He worked in road construction for Marshall County, managed a general store at Benton and sold feed and mulch.
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:
Copeland, Cletus
Calloway County (Ky.) – History.
Marshall County (Ky.) – History.
Benton (Ky.) – History.
Darnell School (Benton, Ky.)
Uson Baptist Church (Benton, Ky.)
