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Elizabeth “Mum Bett” Freeman. Matt Nesti Period 6 4/29/10. Background. Elizabeth Freeman was born into slavery in Claverack, New York in 1742. (1742-1829) Lived in the house of Colonel John Ashley of Sheffield, purchased at 6 months of age.
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Elizabeth “Mum Bett” Freeman Matt Nesti Period 6 4/29/10
Background • Elizabeth Freeman was born into slavery in Claverack, New York in 1742. (1742-1829) • Lived in the house of Colonel JohnAshley of Sheffield, purchased at 6 months of age. • Mum Bett got continuous beatings from her mistress. Once he stepped in front of her sister Lizzy so she wouldn’t get hit instead Elizabeth did • She escaped that house after being abused by Ashley’s wife. She refused to return and got backer up by attorney Theodore Sedgwick.
Brom Bett v. Ashley • With the help of her attorney she started to case Brom Bett v. Ashley • This case happened in 1781 as a Berkshire County court case. • Occurred less than a year after the adoption of the Massachusetts Constitution • In contrast with other freedom cases, John Ashley didn’t violate any specific laws • Mum Bett was set free but stayed as a servant to the Sedgwick family as a thanks for getting her free.
What Mum Bett did • Mum Bett was a very strong and powerful women • She was one of the biggest influences in abolishing slavery. • She always wanted for slavery to be ended not only in Massachusetts but in the whole Unites States • She was very dedicated to her sister Lizzy and everyone that helped her
Late life • Mum Bett left the Sedgwick home she bought her own house where she lived her life with her daughter. • Kept working as a nurse and a midwife and was in high demand. • 2 years before her death her friend Theodore Sedgwick urged to complete Mum Bett’s dream of ending slavery • Mum Bett had children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
Bibliography Freeman, Elizabeth (Mum Bett) (1742-1829) Written by: Alicia Rivera • www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/freeman-elizabeth-mum-bett-1742-1829 • Mum Bett By: Monty Rainey • juntosociety.com/founders/mumbett