Interview with John Botts, December 14, 1991

Interview Summary

In this interview, Mr. John Botts covers a variety of issues related to farming in general, and his life in farming, specifically. The beginning of the interview includes a discussion of the history of his farm. The Botts farm has been in the family for three generations, but Botts himself is the only one of his family of 15 brothers and sisters who still farms. At the time of the interview, the farm?s major products were dairy and tobacco. He discusses how the farm came into his family and how it has been passed on. Within this discussion, Mr. Botts includes his history in farming, including how he got into farming and how his farming has changed. Also, Mr. Botts recounts the effects of the racism and prejudice he has faced as a black farmer.

The interview also includes discussions of Mr. Botts' experiences with lending institutions, the state of his farm today, the plight of American farmers, health problems he and his family have faced, and his marriage and children. He also talks about the almost complete out-migration of African American farmers from this region and the loss of African American businesses in Mt. Sterling.

Interview Keyword

"Colored schools" African-American farming experience Banking (access to credit) Bath County (Ky.) Black farmers Dairy farming Dairy production Heritage farms Production credit Racial segregation of health care Tobacco Loans Agricultural extension Mt. Sterling (Ky.) Churches

Interview LC Subject

African American families African American farmers Agriculture--Kentucky Agriculture Families Family farms Race discrimination Traditional farming--Kentucky Racism African American churches Kentucky--Politics and government Race relations--Kentucky

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.