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John Ashley
Mum Bett went to work for John Ashley and his family in Sheffield, Massachusetts. (month and date unknown) -
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Mum Bett
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Sheffield Declaration
A meeting was held in Ashley's home which resulted in the Sheffield Declaration. It stated "Mankind in a State of Nature are equal, free, and independent of each other, and have a right to the undisturbed Enjoyment of their lives, their Liberty and Property." -
Leaves the Ashleys
Her mistress tried to hit Mum Bett's sister, but she stepped in front of her and took the blow instead. Mum Bett left the home and refused to return. (month and date unknown) -
Mum Bett sues for freedom
John Ashley appealed to the law for Mum Bett to return and continue working for him. Mum Bett asked Theodore Sedgewick, an anti-slavery lawyer, to help her sue for her freedom. (month and date unknown) -
Mum Bett granted freedom
The jury ruled in favor of Mum Bett and required John Ashley to pay her 30 shillings. Mum Bett became the first African-American to be freed under the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. This led to the end of slavery in Massachusetts. (date unknown) -
Works for the Sedgwicks
Mum Bett moved in and worked with the Sedgwicks as a nurse and houskeeper. -
Mum Bett dies
Mum Bett passed away in her mid-eighties, in the free state of Massachusetts she had helped to create.
