Title: Unveiling the Legacy of Steve “Eberhart” Perry: A Confederate Body Servant's Performance of Loyalty
Steve “Eberhart” Perry, a former body servant who attended Confederate veterans reunions well into the twentieth century, was a notable figure from Rome, Georgia. Perry used the surname of his enslaver, “Eberhart,” specifically for these events, indicating a deliberate performance of loyalty to the Confederacy. His presence at these gatherings reinforced a narrative of loyalty to his master and the white supremacist culture of the Jim Crow era.
Recently, a previously unknown photograph of Perry in full uniform at a Confederate veterans reunion in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1930, surfaced and was acquired for a personal collection. This photograph captures Perry in his role as a loyal Confederate body servant, entertaining crowds and perpetuating the myth of the faithful enslaved laborer. The image provides a glimpse into Perry’s performance and the cultural context of the time.
Perry’s story is a compelling one, shedding light on the complex dynamics of race, power, and memory in the post-Civil War South. His portrayal of loyalty to his enslaver and the Confederacy reflects the enduring legacy of white supremacy and the romanticization of the Lost Cause. The photograph of Perry at the reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the role of enslaved laborers in the Confederate army and the narratives that shaped their experiences.