Sojourner Truth

Discover Sojourner Truth: slavery to activism. Key facts on her fight for freedom & equality.

BiographySojourner TruthOccupation: Abolitionist and authorBorn: c. 1797 in Swartekill, New YorkDied: November 26, 1883 in Battle Creek, MichiganBest known for: Former slave who became an abolitionist and women's rights activistSojourner Truth from the Smithsonian InstitutionWhere did Sojourner Truth grow up?Sojourner Truth was born around 1797 on a farm in Swartekill, New York. Her birth name was Isabella Baumfree and she was born a slave. She had at least 10 brothers and sisters, but she didn't get to know all of them. Slave owners would sell children just like property. One day she would be playing with a brother or sister in the yard, the next day they would be gone.Life as a SlaveWhen Sojourner turned nine, it was her turn to be sold. She was sold to a farmer named John Neely. Sojourner had grown up in a Dutch settlement and only knew how to speak Dutch. John Neely was an Englishman. He was not happy that Sojourner could not speak English. He beat her often because she could not follow orders.Sojourner was smart, however, and soon learned English just by listening to others talk. Life as a slave was very hard. She had to work constantly and was sold several times. Her fourth and final owner was John Dumont. He was somewhat nicer to her and she remained with Dumont for many years.Marriage and ChildrenWhen Sojourner became a woman she fell in love with a slave named Robert from a nearby farm. However, Dumont would not let her marry Robert. He ordered her to marry one of his own slaves named Thomas. This way her children would belong to Dumont.Sojourner had five children, but one died shortly after birth. She constantly worried that one of her children would be taken away from her and sold.EscapeAround 1825, Dumont told Sojourner that he was going to free her in a year because she was such a good worker. She was so happy. However, the reality is that Dumont had little option as all slaves in New York would be legally free by 1827.When the year was up, Dumont changed his mind. He said that Sojourner had to work for another year. She was so angry she decided to escape. After she had finished up her work, she walked off the farm and went to stay with some nearby neighbors, the Van Wageners, who thought that slavery was evil. When Dumont found out, he confronted the Van Wageners who agreed to purchase Sojourner for $20 and then set her free.Saving Her SonAlthough Sojourner was free, her children were not. Soon she found out that her worst nightmare had come true. Her son Peter had been sold to a slave owner in Alabama. At that time in New York it was illegal to sell a slave across state lines. Sojourner decided to go to court. She won the court case and Peter was returned to New York. People were amazed at her courage. It was very rare at that time for either a slave or a woman to take a white man to court. Sojourner not only went to court, she won! Her example was a triumph of hope for many people.AbolitionistSojourner began to work with abolitionists to bring slavery to an end throughout all of the United States. She also believed in women's rights and basic civil rights of all people. Sojourner traveled the country telling people what it was like to be a slave. She was an excellent speaker and when she told her story and explained how slaves were treated, people were moved.Ain't I a WomanPerhaps Sojourner's most famous speech was given at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851. She spoke of slavery, but also of women's rights. Later, the speech was called "Ain't I a Woman", however, most historians agree that it is unlikely that Sojourner used this southern phrase in her speech.Legacy Sojourner was an important leader in the fight to end slavery. Her stories and speeches helped people to understand how immoral slavery was and that it must be stopped. She was in the very first group of women inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.Interesting Facts about Sojourner TruthShe changed her name from Isabella Baumfree to Sojourner Truth in 1843.During the Civil War she recruited black soldiers to fight for the Union.She once met with President Abraham Lincoln and told him the story of her life as a slave.The Mars rover built by NASA was named "Sojourner" after her.She once said "truth is powerful and it prevails." Where was Sojourner Truth born? Maryland Alabama New York Massachusetts Virginia What was Sojourner Truth's birth name? Elizabeth Dumont Joan Roberts Hannah Garner Isabella Baumfree Anna Cooper What language did Sojourner Truth learn growing up? English Dutch Spanish German French How old was Sojourner Truth the first time she was sold and had to move away from her family? Five Nine Twelve Fourteen Twenty What happened to Sojourner Truth's son Peter? He was sold to a slave owner in Alabama He was set free along with Sojourner He was shot trying to escape He escaped to Canada None of the above What did Sojourner do to get her son back? She helped him escape through the Underground Railroad She did nothing because she was scared She went to court and he was returned to New York None of the above What were people called who wanted to bring about an end to slavery? Prohibitionists Socialists Communists Republicans Abolitionists True or False: Sojourner Truth was not allowed to marry the man she loved because her owner wanted her children as his own slaves. True False Sojourner Truth told her story about growing up a slave to what president? Andrew Johnson Ulysses S. Grant George Washington Abraham Lincoln James Buchanan What war did Sojourner Truth help recruit black soldiers to fight in? World War I Spanish-American War Civil War Revolutionary War King Philip's War Why did Sojourner Truth approach the Grand Jury of Kingston, New York? To fight for women's rights to vote. To fight for custody of her son, Peter, who was illegally sold. To defend the abolition of slavery What caused Isabella Baumfree to flee slavery? Her enslaver whipped her. She wanted to find her children. After her enslaver promised to free her, he did not keep his word. "Even though she never learned to read or write, Baumfree became known as 'an electrifying orator whose speeches drew on biblical references...'" Using context, what does the word orator mean? Someone who reads a lot A public speaker A freed slave What are two issues that Baumfree spoke out for? Abolition and women's rights Abolition and segregation Women's rights and global warming "She placated the men with song and prayer until they had no desire to harm her." Using context, what does the word placated mean? To throw plates To upset or nullify To appease or calm How did Sojourner Truth become involved in the Civil War efforts? She recruited soldiers and organized supplies for black troops. She fought for civilians rights to own guns. She recruited women and delivered speeches to soldiers. What was an argument that Truth delivered to President Lincoln? That all women should have the right to vote. That all formerly enslaved people should be granted land by the government. That no children should ever be separated from their parents. What is a weapon that Sojourner Truth used against her enemies? Truth A kitchen knife Education