Harriet Tubman (1820-1913)

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery, married free black John Tubman, and escaped north at the age of 25. Her famous words were much like Patrick Henry's "There was one or two things I had a right to. Liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive. I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted and when the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me."

After she freed herself, she became the most famous "Conductor" of the Underground Railroad. After the emancipation proclamation, whe was a spy for the Union Army and a Nurse. She died in her retirement house in 1913 at the age of 93.

--by Harrison Reiser

Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman became one of the most important abolitionists in history. She suffered a serious head injury at age 13 when hit by an iron weight intended for another slave. After months of recovery, she was determined to find a way to freedom.

At the age of 25, she escaped north to Philadelphia, leaving behind her free black husband, John Tubman who didn't accompany her. There she learned of the Underground Railroad and returned south 19 times, bringing her family and many others to freedom. Over 300 people received their liberty through her heroic efforts.

During the Civil War, Harriet served as a nurse to wounded soldiers, as a spy for the Union army and a personal assistant to General Montgomery. Her life of service continued as she assisted newly freed slaves in adjusting to their changed status, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. She helped to raise funds for educating former slaves and worked with Susan B. Anthony in the New England Anti-Slavery Society.

This noble woman died at the age of 93, in her own retirement home, having given her life to helping others.

-by Susan Reiser