Rev. Harden W. Stuckey, was born in Bishopville, S. C. 43 years ago, one of a family of thirteen. Although this family was large, it had no effect upon the financial status, as his parents were prosperous farmers. However, Rev. Stuckey, would not like to have a large family, because he feels that it requires more to rear children now. He is rather proud of his ancestry, as his mother was of Indian descent, and a look at him, makes this statement obvious.

At the age of four years he was struck in the eye with a sling-shot stick, the right eye affected the left, and in a month or two he was totally blind. This did not prove a hindrance to his education, however. For ten years he went to school, stopping only when a nervous breakdown make it imperative. Rev. Stuckey stated that had it not been for his little education he would be among the beggars and recipients of charity. His greatest ambition is to be called to a church of sufficient size to pay him a living wage.

His first work was that of an instructor for the blind in Lucklow, S. C. He received $45 a month. Of course, $45 a month then and in South Carolina was as much as $90 now and in Jacksonville. Like the average $57.40 worker, in the middle class, he has had to reduce his scale of living. He considers $100 a month an adequate income. He added that being blind makes it rather expensive, as he must pay for so many things that ordinarily he could do for himself, were he able to see. For example, when he has to go to a part of the city that he is not familiar with, he must ride or pay a guide.

He takes pride in his work, feeling that he is helping his fellowmen. He teaches them to make a livelihood, and at the same time, having something to do, prevents them from becoming blue quite so often. He said, "No matter how long you have been blind, you never become quite accustomed to it and you are inclined to be spasmodically blue."

Rev. Stuckey votes and votes a ticket as he chooses.

Rev. Stuckey quite naturally feels that religion influences the morale greatly in the right direction, as he is a minister, this is to be expected.

When it comes to amusements, his attitude is rather broad. Although he is unable to do the things we do like dancing and the like, he feels that a person is entitled to what he likes and the matter is to be settled between him and his God.

He attends church regularly and does not ask aid from the church ever. His health is very good, so good that luckily, diet plays no part, as being unable to do for himself, he eats what is put before him, balanced diet or not.

The one room that Rev. Stuckey rents was very clean. He had cleaned it himself, he said.

Time on his hands is a luxury, when he finishes his work, if he does not go to church to a program or just regular services, he has quite a few friends that he visits. They are not all blind, either. Some of the outstanding ministers are quite fond of him.

Text from: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection