The Odyssey of an African Slave

by Sitiki, Patricia C. Griffin (Editor)

Sitiki, captured in West Africa as a young boy in 1807, was brought to America as a slave; he died a free man in St. Augustine, FL, 75 years later. He wrote his memoir between 1869 and 1871 with the assistance of Buckingham Smith, a scholar of Spanish St. Augustine and Sitiki's former master (Sitiki was also known as Jack Smith). A free man after the Civil War, Sitiki became a Methodist pastor in St. Augustine. In his memoir, he shows how his journeys as a slave brought him in and out of several different systems and locations of servitude. The results offer unique information not only on his own life—this is the only known slave memoir from Florida—but on life more generally in 18th-century America and in St. Augustine from Spanish colonization to Florida statehood. Editor Griffin (Archaeology of the Everglades), a historical anthropologist, offers essays here with enlightened perspectives on Sitiki's experiences. VERDICT This is a fine addition to slave narrative reading lists that include The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano; or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Sitiki, also known as Jack Smith, was born in Africa and died, a free man, in St. Augustine, Florida. He wrote his memoir between 1869 and 1871 with the assistance of historian Buckingham Smith, his former master.

Reviews

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitiki was caught in Africa when he was 5 or 6 years old. His owner, Josiah Smith changed his name to Jack Smith. Although he served his owners in Georgia, Connecticut and New York, the bulk of his life was spent in St. Augustine during the 1800s. As a youngster, he tended to a flock of sheep and other farm animals. He went on to help his master in the mercantile business but his love was taking care of the orange groves. A great history of the St. Augustine area during that time period and a very well- researched book by Patricia Griffin.

[Dewin Anguas Barnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of valuable, detailed information.

[Sandra Dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A painstakingly pieced together biography, based on documents containing the words of the slave and his master. A real rarity.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

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