Harriet Tubman (1820-1913)

Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was one of 11 children, all born into slavery. In 1844, Tubman, still a slave, married a free man. Five years into the marriage, fearing she would be sold, Tubman ran away. Her husband did not go with her, but her two brothers did. However they soon lost their courage and turned back, while Harriet continued on her own. She was eventually able to find work and provide funding to help over 300 slaves escape to freedom. Her selfless acts put her safety at risk, when a reward was offered for her capture. Tubman’s other achievements include promoting women’s rights and helping to organize the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During the civil war, Tubman worked as a nurse and was able to save many of the sick and dying. Her heroic actions resulted in her being viewed as the “Moses of Her People.” In 1913 Harriet Tubman was laid to rest with full Military Honors.

To read more about Harriet, visit: http://www.nyhistory.com/harriettubman/life.htm