A Look Through the Life of Sojourner Truth

My Birth

Mar 11, 1797

I was born a slave to a family of 14 with the name Isabella Baumfree.

Sold to John Neely

Mar 11, 1806

I was sold at an auction for $100 with a flock of sheep to a slave owner named John Neely.

Sold to Matinus Schryver

Jun 23, 1808

I was old for $105 to Martinus Schryver of Kingston, NY. Here, I stayed for about 18 months.

Sold to John Dumont

Jun 16, 1810

I was sold to John Dumont for $175, and lived in New Paltz, NY for the next 16 years.

Marriage

Jun 7, 1815

I married another slave on Dumont's property, named Thomas. Over the next few years we will have five children together.

My Escape

Apr 11, 1826

After John Dumont failed to fulfil his promise to free myself and my family, I escape with my infant daughter, Sophia. I have to leave my other children behind for now, but I will return for them.

My Return

Feb 10, 1828

Upon my return to John Dumont's propoerty, I found that my son Peter had been illegally sold to a slave owner in another state. I took the issue to court and secured Peters freedom. I was one of the first black women to challenge a white man in court and win.

New York

Mar 11, 1829

I moved to new york city with my son, Peter.

Elijiah Pierson

Sep 26, 1831

I began working as a domestric servant for a Christian Evangelist leader, Elijah Pierson.

Robert Matthews

Mar 14, 1832

I met one Robert Matthews, otherwise known as Prophet Matthias, when he visited the Pierson's home. I will begin working as a domestic servant for him as well.

Slander Suit

May 18, 1835

Prophet Matthias was arrested and tried for the murder of Elijiah Pierson. He and the Folgers, members of his religious community, accused me of being involved in Pierson's death. I brought a slander suit against the Matthias and the Folgers and won.

New Name

Feb 21, 1843

I changed my name from Isabella Baumfree to Sojourner Truth because I was called in spirit to be an abolitionist. I will travel the East Coast to meet other abolitionists, such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison.

Speeches

Oct 25, 1846

I am beginning to give speeches about why slavery is wrong and why it ought to be ended, and the importance of human rights. During my speeches, I share stories about my personal experience as a woman born into slavery.

Story of my Life

Aug 24, 1850

I published a novel telling the stories of my life, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave.

Ain't I A Woman

Apr 20, 1851

I atttended the first Womans Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Here, I gave my famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech.

Battle Creek

Feb 16, 1857

I'm moving into my own house in Battle Creek Michigan, where I plan to live for the rest of my life. I will continue to travel and give speeches on abolitionism, women’s rights, and political equality.

Freedman's Bureau

Jan 26, 1864

I am travelling to Washington, D.C. to work with the Freedman’s Bureau to develop ways to help ex-slaves to create new lives for themselves.

My Plan

Nov 21, 1867

I proposed a plan to congress where slaves would be given plots of land in the West that they could live on and farm. Unfortunately, Congress rejected my proposal.

Women's Rights Convention

Apr 11, 1878

I was a delegate to the Women's Rights Convention in Rochester, NY.

Speeches

Mar 21, 1882

I will travel around Michigan speaking for temperance and against capital punishment for the next two years.

My Passing

May 23, 1883

Today, I passed away in my ome in Battle Creek, Michigan.