Famous abolitionists
Frederick DouglassFrederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey) was one of the most famous Abolitionists. He was born sometime in February of 1818 - slaves were never told their real birthdays, which was one of the strategies that slave owners used to oppress the slaves- to Harriet Bailey. His father was unknown, but some thought that his master had fathered him.
He spent most of his childhood on a plantation, then was sent to live with relatives of his previous master. They were kind to him, and the woman started to teach him to read, before the man told her not to. He taught himself to read and write, and then, when chance came, he ran away. He went on to be one of the most well-known Abolitionists, and advise Abraham Lincoln on two occasions during the Civil War. He died on February 20th, 1895 at the age of 77 years old. FUN FACT: Frederick Douglass was a Republican FAMOUS QUOTE: “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” |
Sojourner TruthSojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree) was one of the most famous female Abolitionists. She was most famous for her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech.
Her birthday is unknown, but her parents were James and Elizabeth Baumfree. She ran away and became a well known speaker, baring her breasts when someone said she wasn't really a woman. She died November 26th, 1883 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. FUN FACT: She had five children and at least three were sold away. FAMOUS QUOTE: “Give ‘em land and an outset, and hab teachers learn ‘em to read. Den they can be somebody.” |
Harriet tubmanHarriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross) was another of the most famous female Abolitionists. She was called "the Moses of her people" because of how many slaves she led to freedom. She led over 300.
She was born on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland in March of 1822 to Benjamin and Harriet Ross. She was one of eleven children. She married a freeman named John Tubman, and later took the first name of her mother. She was a spy for the Union during the Civil War. She died March 10th, 1913. FUN FACT: She tried to stop an overseer from pursuing a runaway slave, and the overseer hit her in the head with a two pound weight, which left her skull permanently pressed against her brain, which caused spells of unconsciousness for the rest of her life. FAMOUS QUOTE: “I always tole God, I’m gwine to hole stiddy on to you, an’ you’ve got to see me trou [through].” |