Place all ingredients in crockery bean pot or slow cooker. Cover beans with water, and place salt pork in center. Add onion and freshly grated black pepper; cover pot.

Cook on low setting of slow cooker or at 300°F in oven for about 7 or 8 hours. Check beans periodically and add water as needed.

Variation: Add 3 tablespoons molasses, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of honey. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning.