Description: The story begins in the 1840s with Johnson's earliest recollections of his father, Richard Yeager, of his mother, Jane Johnson (a slave used by Yeager as his wife), and of Ambrose and Eddie, Isaac's two brothers. Their happy family life ends abruptly when Yeager, in need of money, sells his wife and children at auction. Seven at the time, Isaac never sees any of his family again. He goes on to detail the horrors of his life as a slave and to mention his service in the 102nd United States Colored Regiment.
