Olnale Kossola, who must have been born in 1841, offers Hurston a comprehensive recollection of his life. He begins his story with his grandfather who worked as an officer to the king of Benin. Kossola then discusses his parents, family, and childhood games. He also explains the cultural practices of his people, such as their marriage and funeral rites, justice system and initiations into manhood. He then details the raid on his town, Bantè, that led to his capture and the journey to the barracoon in Ouidah, where he was imprisoned until he was sold to William Foster, the captain of the Clotilda, together with 109 others. They arrived illegally in the U.S. in 1860, where they were enslaved until the end of the Civil War in 1865. After gaining their freedom, he and others from the Clotilda bought land to establish Africatown. Kossola got married and had six children. Sadly, Kossola faced further hardships as he was unable to work after being hit by a train and denied justice under the legal system.
Olnale Kossola died of age-related illness on July 26, 1935, at about 94.