Jacob Stroyer (ca. 1846 - ca. 1908) was an African-American former slave, who became a preacher in New England. He is best known for his autobiography, My Life in the South. He was born on a plantation in South Carolina and worked as a groom. After the Civil War he was able to attend school. He was licensed as an African Methodist Episcopal preacher. He moved to Salem, Massachusetts to preach. His story begins "My father was born in Sierra Leone, Africa. Of his parents and his brothers and sisters I know nothing. I only remember that it was said that his father's name was Moncoso, and his...

Mr. Stroyer's account of his experience in slavery and during the war is of great interest and value as a trustworthy description of the condition and life of slaves by one of themselves. His memory is remarkably keen and his narrative vivid and at times both touching and thrilling. The book is a great credit to its author and deserves a generous reception and a wide circulation.